China has pledged over $500 million in support to Kenya’s healthcare and education sectors, including 500 scholarships and 20 annual exchange programs, in a bold move set to transform the nation’s health systems and human capital.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Health on Monday, June 9, the financial and academic support package was agreed upon following a high-level meeting between Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan.
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$500 Million to Boost Kenya’s Healthcare Manufacturing
The Ministry said the $500 million (Ksh65 billion) initiative will enhance Kenya’s medical product manufacturing capacity by 2028, reducing reliance on imports, creating local jobs, and positioning Kenya as a regional health innovation hub.
“The transformative joint initiative seeks to strengthen Kenya’s supply chains, reduce import dependency, create employment, and position Kenya as a continental leader in health product manufacturing,” the statement noted.
500 Scholarships and 20 Annual Exchange Programs
In a boost to health sector capacity-building, China will sponsor 500 Kenyan students in various education programs and facilitate 20 annual health exchange programs to support training and long-term cooperation.
“The Cabinet Secretary welcomed China’s offer as a critical investment in Kenya’s future health leadership,” the Ministry stated, adding that Duale also requested support to transition from donor-dependence to co-investment in healthcare innovation.
Progress on Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
CS Duale also briefed China’s delegation on Kenya’s health sector reforms under the new Social Health Authority (SHA), the framework driving Universal Health Coverage in Kenya.
He proposed the creation of a Kenya–China Health Cooperation Taskforce to align priorities, fast-track agreements, and track progress on joint health projects.
The Ministry further appreciated Chinese tech companies like Huawei for supporting rural health facilities and training health workers, helping bridge the healthcare gap in underserved areas.
Looking Ahead
This partnership marks a significant step in the strengthening of Kenya–China bilateral relations, with Kenya looking to position itself as a healthcare and education hub in the region through international cooperation.
Related Reading:
- How to Apply for Chinese Government Scholarships in Kenya
- Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage Plan Explained
- Embassy of China in Kenya
