KEMRI Commits to accountability with the Signing of the 2025/2026 Performance Contract

By Gideon Kirui

KEMRI has formally committed to delivering on its 2025/2026 targets following the signing of the Ministerial Cascaded Performance Contracts (PCs) between the Ministry of Health and the Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) under the health docket. The ceremony, held on 2nd March 2026 at the Institute’s headquarters, was presided over by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, and marked a significant step toward strengthening accountability, results based management, and improved service delivery across the sector.

The agreement was signed between Hon. Duale and the Chairman of the KEMRI Board of Directors, Dr. Abdullahi Ali, alongside Board Director Mr. Luka Chemwolo, while Acting Director General Prof. Elijah Songok and Acting Director, Strategy and Compliance, Mr. Edwin Bett witnessed the event.

Through the agreement, KEMRI reaffirmed its dedication to enhanced service delivery and prudent stewardship of public resources in service to the people of Kenya. The Performance Contract underscores the Institute’s resolve to align its strategic priorities with national health goals, ensuring that research, innovation, and policy support translate into measurable impact for citizens.

The CS was accompanied by the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni, and the Principal Secretary for the State Department for National Government Coordination, Mr. Ahmed Abdisalan. Also present was the Director of Administration at the State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards, Mr. Adan Harakhe, as part of a high-level gathering of senior leaders from government institutions under the Ministry of Health.

Speaking during the event, Hon. Duale emphasized the national significance of the mandate entrusted to the Ministry, particularly its role in facilitating the country’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He described performance contracting as more than an administrative requirement, characterizing it as a solemn covenant with the people of Kenya.

“Performance Contracting is not a procedural formality or mere paperwork, but a solemn covenant with the people of Kenya — a commitment to our 55 million citizens who rely on us to safeguard their right to the highest attainable standard of health. This Performance Contract we are signing today is about accountability to the people, about the stewardship of public resources, and about leadership measured by results,” he remarked

The Cabinet Secretary commended the Principal Secretaries, Board Chairpersons, Chief Executive Officers, and management teams for the progress made thus far. He, however, reminded them that Kenyans expect clarity of purpose, discipline in execution, transparency in the utilization of resources, and integrity in leadership.

According to him, these principles must remain the cornerstone of public service delivery within the health sector. Acknowledging the realities facing the Kenyan health system, Hon. Duale noted that the sector continues to grapple with challenges including funding constraints, emerging and re-emerging disease patterns, and rising public expectations that test the resilience of the health institutions. He stressed that while these challenges are significant, they must never become excuses for underperformance. Leadership, he observed, is best defined by responsibility under pressure and the ability to deliver results despite adversity.

On her part, PS Muthoni urged the SAGAs to intensify coordination, strengthen internal systems, and conclude all outstanding deliverables with discipline and urgency within the remaining period of the financial year. She emphasized that sustained collaboration and proactive implementation are essential to ensuring that performance targets are not only met but exceeded.

For KEMRI, the signing of the Performance Contract signals a renewed focus on excellence, accountability, and impact-driven research. As the Institute advances its mandate, it remains steadfast in supporting national health priorities and contributing to a resilient, equitable, and responsive health system.