Kenya deepens health sector collaboration with Egypt and Belgium
Duale underscored the importance of Egypt’s support in promoting local manufacturing of health products and technologies in Kenya by Egyptian companies
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has held talks with the Egyptian Ambassador to Kenya Wael Nasreldin Attiya in a bid to explore avenues for deeper collaboration in the health sector.
The meeting primarily focused on enhancing joint cooperation through three Memoranda of Understanding covering health and medical services, collaboration between Kenyatta National Hospital and the Egyptian National Cancer Institute for Oncology, and strengthening regulatory bonds between the Egyptian Drug Authority and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (EDAPPB). These agreements are expected to facilitate knowledge exchange, institutional partnerships, and technical support.
Discussions, which built on President William Ruto’s visit to Cairo in January, also touched on Egypt’s Nile Development Fund, which aims to support development initiatives in Nile Basin countries. Kenya was invited to formally submit a proposal for three priority projects of its choice, with potential financial support of up to Ksh 776.4 million (US$ 6 million).
Duale underscored the importance of Egypt’s support in promoting local manufacturing of health products and technologies in Kenya by Egyptian companies, a strategic move in advancing modern healthcare delivery. He also emphasised the value of Egypt’s technical expertise in infection prevention within health facilities, health research, and crisis response in managing disease outbreaks.
Ambassador Wael extended an invitation to Kenya to participate in the Africa Health Expo scheduled for June in Egypt, which will offer further opportunities for collaboration.
Meanwhile, Duale held a bilateral meeting with Belgian Ambassador to Kenya Peter Maddens to review progress on two key healthcare projects supported by the Belgian Government. The discussions also focused on finalising the operational aspects of the KEMRI-Unizima Bio-Manufacturing Training Hub. Key next steps include the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two governments, mobilization of additional financing, and accelerated staff training placements in Belgium, alongside ongoing development of local infrastructure.
Both projects are aligned with the ministry’s priorities under Universal Health Coverage (UHC), particularly in improving environmental health and fostering Kenya’s local biopharmaceutical manufacturing capacity.
Duale acknowledged Belgium’s continued support in strengthening Kenya’s health systems, particularly through the Medical Waste Microwave Project.
The initiative, aimed at enhancing healthcare waste management and reducing the risk of infections and environmental harm, has already seen the successful completion of Phase 1 in June 2021. Beneficiary institutions include Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, and regional facilities in Kakamega, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, Embu, Nyeri, Machakos, and Kisii counties. Preparations are underway for Phase 2, which will expand the project to 15 additional counties.
