Kenya Minute.
Tuesday, 11 August 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Tuesday, 11 August 2026
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Kenyan press · Person

Mary Muthoni

Also known as: Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni · Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni · Ms Muthoni · Mary Muthoni Muriuki · PS Mary Muthoni · Public Health PS Mary Muthoni · Muriuki · Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni

Public Health Principal Secretary leading healthcare reforms including Social Health Authority rollout, antimicrobial resistance prevention, and counterfeit product seizures.

2026-04-262026-08-11

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. May 2026
  2. The Standard

    According to Principal Secretary, State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, built environments are a critical tool for public health promotion and primary disease prevention.

    Incorporate public health guidelines into public works, Health PS urges architects
  3. Capital News

    Nairobi Hospital Chapter, brought together healthcare professionals, nursing leaders, and partners under the theme “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives.” Speaking during the celebrations, Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni

    The Nairobi Hospital Marks International Nurses Week 2026 with Tribute to Nurses
  4. The Standard

    Speaking during the International Nurses Week 2026 celebrations at The Nairobi Hospital, Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni described nurses as the backbone of Kenya’s healthcare system and key players in achieving Universal Health Coverage

    PS hails nurses as the backbone of healthcare system
  5. Capital News

    Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has emphasized the need for long-term prevention rather than crisis response.

    Health Ministry cautions against Hantavirus
  6. Citizen Digital

    Kenya heightens surveillance over Hantavirus threat - PS Mary Muthoni By Brian Kimani May 09, 2026 05:30 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Public Health and Professional Standards PS Mary Muthoni during a pas

    Kenya heightens surveillance over Hantavirus threat - PS Mary Muthoni
  7. Citizen Digital

    Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni identified Mwea, known for rice farming, and Gichugu, where Thiba Dam is located, as malaria hotspots within the county.

    Mwea residents raise alarm over malaria threat over surge in mosquitoes
  8. Capital News

    NAIROBI, Kenya, May 6-Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni has been elected Chairperson of the African Permanent and Principal Secretaries for Health, marking a significant boost to Kenya’s leadership in continental health governance.

    Health PS Muthoni Elected Chair of the African Permanent and Principal Secretaries for Health
  9. Capital News

    NAIROBI, Kenya, May 6-Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni has been elected Chairperson of the African Permanent and Principal Secretaries for Health, marking a significant boost to Kenya’s leadership in continental health governance.

    Health PS Muthoni to Chair the African Permanent and Principal Secretaries for Health
  10. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeMary Muthoni has been elected chairperson of the African Permanent and Principal Secretaries for Health, a role that places Kenya at the centre of continental efforts to coordinate public health policy and response.

    PS Muthoni to chair PSs for Health Africa caucus
  11. April 2026
  12. Capital News

    The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth, alongside other senior ministry officials.

    Duale, WHO Officials Hold Talks on Global Health Cooperation, Regional Health Security
Society

Only six in ten Kenyan newborns breastfed within first hour

The News

Only six out of ten babies born in Kenya are breastfed within the first hour of life despite nearly nine in ten deliveries occurring under skilled health workers, experts warn. Early breastfeeding provides colostrum, a nutrient-rich first milk that protects newborns against life-threatening infections when the risk of death is highest.

3 August 2026 · The Standard

Monday 3 August

  1. Only six in ten Kenyan newborns breastfed within first hour

    Only six out of ten babies born in Kenya are breastfed within the first hour of life despite nearly nine in ten deliveries occurring under skilled health workers, experts warn. Early breastfeeding provides colostrum, a nutrient-rich first milk that protects newborns against life-threatening infections when the risk of death is highest.

    3 August 2026 · The Standard

Friday 31 July

  1. Kenya and 10 IGAD nations to strengthen cross-border disease surveillance

    Kenya and 10 regional countries will sign a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cross-border disease surveillance, data sharing, and coordinated responses to disease outbreaks. The agreement aims to facilitate real-time surveillance, harmonise health measures at border points, and improve joint resource mobilisation during health emergencies.

    31 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Sunday 26 July

  1. PS Muthoni urges youth to reject political exploitation, access funds

    Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has encouraged young people to avoid being used for divisive politics and instead take advantage of government empowerment programmes such as the Hustler Fund, Nyota Fund and Micro and Small Enterprises programmes to start and grow businesses.

    26 July 2026 · Capital News

Saturday 25 July

  1. Government to insure 107,000 Community Health Promoters under SHA

    President William Ruto announced that the Government will begin paying medical insurance for all 107,000 Community Health Promoters under the Social Health Authority this month. The National Government will provide 390 million shillings, with counties expected to contribute a similar amount.

    25 July 2026 · Capital News

  2. Ministry tightens food safety after pesticide residues found in vegetables

    A study by the Kenya Organic Agriculture Network, University of Nairobi, and SGS Kenya Laboratories found detectable pesticide residues in most vegetable samples from Nairobi and Nakuru markets, particularly in kale and spinach. The Ministry of Health plans to strengthen surveillance and testing of fresh produce across the country, while noting that the presence of detectable residues does not pose immediate health danger, though long-term cumulative exposure is a concern.

    25 July 2026 · The Standard

Friday 24 July

  1. Health Ministry convenes agencies for 2026 summit on reform agenda

    The Ministry of Health has intensified preparations for the Kenya Health Summit 2026, bringing together health sector agencies and government institutions to forge a unified roadmap for accelerating healthcare reforms. The summit, scheduled for August 18-19, 2026 in Nairobi, will assess progress on health reforms, identify challenges, and agree on priority actions to improve healthcare delivery.

    24 July 2026 · Capital News

Tuesday 21 July

  1. Over 17,000 counterfeit cigarette packets seized in Thika

    A multi-agency team led by Public Health PS Mary Muthoni seized more than 17,000 packets of suspected counterfeit cigarettes during an operation in Thika, Kiambu County. Authorities expressed concern about illicit tobacco products allegedly being smuggled into Kenya through neighbouring countries, and said the seized products will be destroyed if laboratory tests confirm they are counterfeit.

    21 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Tuesday 14 July

  1. Health PS warns schools over concealed drug transportation methods

    Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni warned schools that drugs are being smuggled to learning institutions hidden in biro pens and disguised as perfumes, urging parents, teachers, and school administrators to conduct thorough inspections and remain vigilant.

    14 July 2026 · The Standard

Saturday 11 July

  1. Government to strengthen school health services via SHA programme

    Kenya's government will strengthen healthcare services in schools through the Social Health Authority (SHA) programme and intensify efforts to combat drug abuse among learners, according to Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni. The Ministry of Health is working with the Ministry of Education to integrate health facilities serving schools into the SHA system, enabling students to access timely treatment and preventive healthcare.

    11 July 2026 · Capital News

Tuesday 7 July

  1. Ministry of Health launches community health data verification in Ol Kalou

    The Ministry of Health has launched a three-day Community Health Assessment Data Verification exercise in Ol Kalou Sub-County, Nyandarua County, to strengthen community health systems and improve data-driven planning for primary healthcare and Universal Health Coverage. The exercise brings together Community Health Promoters to validate community health data, assess implementation of community-based health interventions, and identify gaps in service delivery.

    7 July 2026 · Capital News

Sunday 5 July

  1. PS Muthoni warns Kenyans against antibiotic self-medication

    Public Health PS Mary Muthoni has urged Kenyans to stop self-medicating with antibiotics, warning that misuse is accelerating antimicrobial resistance and threatening the country's ability to treat common infections. She called on citizens to only use antibiotics when prescribed by qualified healthcare professionals.

    5 July 2026 · Capital News

Saturday 4 July

  1. PS Muthoni launches Women in Healthcare Caucus, urges training uptake

    Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni launched the Women in Healthcare Kenya Caucus in Nairobi and challenged female health workers to apply for government-funded scholarships for advanced training, noting that most applicants for professional development funding are men.

    4 July 2026 · Capital News

Thursday 2 July

  1. Gichugu farmers suffer crop losses as monkey troops raid farms

    Farmers in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, say monkeys from Njukiini Forest are destroying crops including avocados, macadamia nuts and maize, invading homes, and becoming increasingly aggressive toward residents attempting to protect their property.

    2 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Sunday 28 June

  1. Ministry of Health seeks amendments to strengthen tobacco laws

    The Ministry of Health is collecting public views on proposed amendments to the Tobacco Control Act of 2007 to address emerging nicotine products not covered under current legislation, as manufacturers increasingly target young people through deceptive packaging and marketing strategies.

    28 June 2026 · Capital News

  2. PS Muthoni defends SHA, attributes low uptake to politics

    Public Health PS Mary Muthoni has urged Kenyans to register for the Social Health Authority, saying it offers inclusive benefits regardless of employment status, unlike the defunct NHIF. She blamed local politics and misinformation for low uptake, noting that only 39 per cent of Kitui County residents have enrolled.

    28 June 2026 · The Standard

Friday 26 June

  1. Government deploys 6,360 healthcare interns nationwide from July

    The government will deploy 6,360 healthcare interns across the country starting July 1, having committed Sh 9.3 billion towards the programme to strengthen Kenya's health workforce and advance Universal Health Coverage. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the plans after meeting with health professional regulatory bodies to assess readiness for the 2026/2027 deployment.

    26 June 2026 · Capital News

Tuesday 23 June

  1. Cabinet Secretary Duale pleads for leniency after contempt conviction

    Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has asked the High Court to pardon him after being found guilty of contempt for establishing an Ebola quarantine facility at Nanyuki airbase despite two court orders halting the process. Duale's legal team argued that his actions were driven by public health concerns regarding risks posed by soldiers returning from a UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    23 June 2026 · The Standard

Sunday 21 June

  1. Kenya to launch National Ambulance Dispatch Centre next month

    President Ruto announced that Kenya will launch its first National Ambulance Dispatch Centre next month, making it the second African country with a nationally coordinated ambulance dispatch system. The centre will coordinate ambulance services through a digital platform integrated into national health infrastructure and is expected to handle 100,000 emergency evacuations annually.

    21 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

Tuesday 16 June

  1. Kenya on high alert for Ebola risk from DRC, Uganda

    Kenya remains at high risk of importing the Budibugyo Ebola virus currently affecting parts of the DRC and Uganda, which have recorded 141 deaths. The Ministry of Health has confirmed no cases in Kenya but emphasized strict vigilance and has deployed containment systems including a standby surge team of over 300 healthcare officers across 25 high-risk counties.

    16 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

Sunday 14 June

  1. PS Muthoni defends SHA healthcare reforms, urges depoliticization

    Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni defended the Social Health Authority's healthcare model as expanding access compared to the defunct NHIF, saying 20 percent benefited under NHIF versus immediate eligibility under SHA. She urged leaders to stop politicizing health matters and praised Community Health Promoters for supporting SHA rollout through registration and preventive services.

    14 June 2026 · The Standard

  2. Kenya confirms no Ebola cases as surveillance intensifies

    Kenya has recorded no confirmed Ebola cases despite heightened surveillance, according to the Public Health Principal Secretary. The government has tested about 90 samples, all negative, and intensified screening at major entry points including JKIA and six gazetted border crossings.

    14 June 2026 · The Standard

Friday 12 June

  1. Health CS Duale says government will obey Laikipia Ebola facility court order

    Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale stated the government will comply with a court order temporarily halting the establishment of an Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki, but warned he may invoke Public Health Act powers to enforce stricter measures if a positive case is confirmed in Kenya.

    12 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

Tuesday 9 June

  1. Deputy President says Kenya ready for Ebola response

    Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says the government is alert and ready to handle any reported Ebola case, with adequate resources allocated for surveillance at entry points, isolation centres, equipment, and personnel training. He warned against politicization of preventive measures.

    9 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

Saturday 6 June

  1. Kenya strengthens Ebola preparedness with quarantine centres

    Kenya is intensifying Ebola preparedness measures by establishing fully operational quarantine centres in high-risk areas and heightening surveillance at the Malaba Border following reported cases in Uganda. The Ministry of Health has equipped border health teams with screening equipment and enhanced laboratory capacity in Nairobi and Kisumu for rapid testing and diagnosis.

    6 June 2026 · Capital News

Wednesday 3 June

  1. Kenya's Health Ministry rules out Ebola in suspected case

    Kenya's Ministry of Health dismissed reports of a suspected Ebola case involving a Turkish national admitted to a Kenyan health facility. Laboratory tests confirmed the patient tested negative for Ebola virus, and the Ministry said it remains on high alert regarding the regional public health situation.

    3 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Kirinyaga tea farmers oppose Tea Board's proposed levy

    Tea farmers in Kirinyaga have raised concerns over a proposed levy by the Tea Board of Kenya, saying it will cut their earnings and increase their burden. They are calling on the government to allow them to export tea directly from Sagana instead of through Mombasa.

    3 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  3. Ministry clears suspected Ebola case in Kiambu

    The Ministry of Health ruled out an Ebola case after a Turkish national presenting with Ebola-like symptoms tested negative at AAR Hospital in Kiambu. Laboratory tests on 18 samples from Ebola alerts across several counties have all tested negative.

    3 June 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 2 June

  1. Kenya considers mandatory 21-day quarantine for high-risk travelers

    The Ministry of Health says Kenya is considering imposing a mandatory 21-day quarantine for travellers arriving from high-risk countries as part of enhanced Ebola prevention measures. Incoming travellers may also be required to present certified exit surveillance reports from their countries of origin alongside detailed screening documentation.

    2 June 2026 · Capital News

  2. Kenya marks 25 counties high-risk for Ebola as Uganda, DRC cases emerge

    Kenya's Ministry of Health has designated 25 counties as either 'very high risk' or 'high risk' for Ebola, including Nairobi, Mombasa, and border counties, amid outbreaks in neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The government is maintaining high alert at 26 points of entry and monitoring 10 neighbouring countries, though no positive cases have been reported in Kenya.

    2 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

Monday 1 June

  1. Police fire tear gas as Nanyuki protests escalate over Ebola facility

    Anti-riot police clashed with hundreds of protesters in Nanyuki on Monday during demonstrations against a proposed Ebola quarantine and isolation facility at Laikipia Airbase, firing tear gas and warning shots to disperse crowds as confrontations escalated from initially peaceful marches.

    1 June 2026 · Capital News

Mary Muthoni — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute