NAIROBI, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan devolved units will set aside additional funds to boost universal health coverage (UHC) that is a key component of the country's socio-economic transformation agenda, an official said on Monday.

Mohamed Kuti, governor of Isiolo County and chair of the Council of Governors' health caucus said that increased budgetary allocation combined with policy reforms will ensure that citizens have access to quality and affordable health care services.

"We are committed to implementing the UHC in line with the central government's directive to address emerging challenges that bedeviled the health sector," Kuti said in Nairobi during a meeting with the visiting Dutch healthcare business delegation.

Kuti said the county governments are currently installing equipment to help detect, control and prevent the emerging non-communicable diseases.

He said that Kenya is keen to domesticate international best practices to help prolong lives of the population through access to quality, affordable and timely health services.

The county chief said that a growing middle-class population and re-energized stakeholder support are behind a rise in demand for quality and accessible healthcare services.

Erik Gerritsen, Netherlands vice minister for health, welfare and sport lauded Kenya's bold efforts to ensure citizens have access to quality healthcare services.

He said that robust public-private partnerships will boost access to healthcare services among Kenyan citizens grappling with infectious and lifestyle diseases.

Frans Makken, Netherlands Ambassador to Kenya said Netherlands will rally behind Kenya's ongoing outreach to the private sector, donors and foundations to promote universal health coverage.

Experts drawn from the field of hospitals construction, medical devices, health financing solutions, training and education are part of the Netherlands delegation which is on a three-day visit to Kenya. Enditem

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