Kenya and China have launched a strategic KSh64.5 billion (USD 500 million) partnership to boost Kenya’s healthcare system, with a focus on setting up local vaccine and pharmaceutical production hubs using Chinese expertise.
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale recently met with a Chinese delegation led by Ambassador H.E. Ms Guo Haiyan to discuss the initiative, which aims to enhance Kenya’s health supply chains, reduce reliance on imports, generate jobs, and establish Kenya as a leading health manufacturer in Africa by 2028.
“This initiative opens doors for greater collaboration,” Duale said, applauding China’s pledge to provide 500 scholarships and 20 annual health exchange programs, aimed at building Kenya’s future healthcare leadership. He also encouraged China to help Kenya transition from aid dependence to co-investing in medical innovation.
Duale updated the delegation on current reforms, especially the creation of the Social Health Authority (SHA), and proposed forming a Kenya–China Health Cooperation Taskforce to align priorities, speed up agreements, and ensure consistent progress.
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He also thanked China for its ongoing support through firms like Huawei, which have helped upgrade rural health centers and train thousands of medical professionals.
The meeting included Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni and Director-General Dr. Patrick Amoth.
China has long been a key development ally for Kenya, funding major infrastructure like roads and railways. It remains Kenya’s largest lender. President William Ruto’s recent visit to China was seen as a significant step to strengthen ties amid economic pressure from U.S. tariffs. Although Ruto had previously criticized Chinese loans during his campaign, the visit signaled a pivot back to policies similar to those of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who embraced Chinese investment for national development.
