The Chairman of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health and Seme Member of Parliament Dr James Nyikal has officially presided over the closing ceremony of the inaugural Kenya Health Security Convention 2026 after four days of deliberations on strengthening the country’s health security systems.

The convention, held in Mombasa from May 5–8, brought together policymakers, scientists, public health experts, development partners and private sector players to discuss pandemic preparedness, disease surveillance, antimicrobial resistance, laboratory systems, community health and emergency response coordination.

Speaking during the closing session, Dr Nyikal lauded the Kenya National Public Health Institute for successfully convening what he described as one of the most significant public health engagements undertaken since the institution was established through a Legal Notice.

He termed the convention a landmark platform that has helped shape the national conversation around health security and preparedness, noting that KNPHI remains a critical component within the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards.

The former Director of Medical Services at the Ministry of Health emphasized the need to strengthen the working relationship between KNPHI and the parent Ministry even as the institute continues pushing for greater operational independence to effectively execute its mandate.

He observed that just as county governments have progressively taken up more responsibilities from the Medical Services sector under devolution, KNPHI should equally be empowered to spearhead technical public health functions at the national level.

While reaffirming Parliament’s commitment to supporting legislative and policy interventions of the new SAGA,the lawmaker further challenged KNPHI leadership to identify and address existing legal, structural and fiscal gaps that could hinder the institution’s effectiveness in delivering on Kenya’s health security agenda.

Prior to the culmination ceremony, there was ratification and approval of 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗮 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 which serves as a renewed call to action for all stakeholders to work collectively in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of Kenyans through resilient systems, evidence-based policies and sustainable partnerships.

The Convention concluded with a shared resolve that health security is a shared responsibility and an essential pillar for national development, economic stability and social transformation in Kenya. 

Guests present during the event were Nyeri Town Member of Parliament and Vice-Chairperson of the National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities Duncan Mathenge, Mwea MP and Member of Parliamentary Health Committee Mary Maingi,Representative of Africa CDC Dr Howard Nyika, Vision2030  Board Chairman Dr Emmanuel Nzai among others.