Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni Muriuki has reaffirmed Kenya’s dedication to the ongoing negotiations for two international legal instruments, stressing the significance of public participation in shaping these critical agreements.

In her address at the stakeholder’s roundtable consultative meeting yesterday, the PS extended gratitude to President Ruto for his leadership in pandemic preparedness and response efforts, pivotal for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Emphasizing on the recent discussions between the President and WHO Director General, Dr. Tedros, the PS highlighted Kenya’s advocacy for the pandemic treaty’s development, aligned with the government’s UHC initiatives like Primary Health Care Networks and the Social Health Insurance Fund.

The meeting aimed to sensitize national stakeholders on ongoing negotiations and gather input for the treaty’s final stages. She urged constructive engagement, emphasizing the need to address stakeholders’ identified gaps and concerns.

Drawing from COVID-19 pandemic experiences, PS Muriuki stressed equitable access to essential medical supplies, financing, and technology transfer.

 She identified opportunities to enhance the International Health Regulations (2005) to ensure fair global response mechanisms.

She pledged continuous stakeholder engagement throughout the negotiation process, with plans to adapt the instruments to the local context post-World Health Assembly in May 2024.

Kenya is leading negotiations for an International Pandemic Treaty at the World Health Organization, aiming to enhance global response to health crises.