Kenya Strengthens Healthcare Partnership with UAE in High-Level Meeting
Central to the discussions were key areas aimed at leveraging the UAE’s expertise and successes in healthcare to improve Kenya’s health systems.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Mr. Harry Kimtai, hosted H.E. Dr. Salim Ibrahim Al Naqbi, UAE Ambassador to Kenya, paid a courtesy call. Photo/Ministry of Health.
In a bid to deepen the partnership between Kenya and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the healthcare sector, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Mr. Harry Kimtai, hosted H.E. Dr. Salim Ibrahim Al Naqbi, UAE Ambassador to Kenya, for a courtesy call.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Health headquarters, focused on advancing the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the two nations to enhance collaboration in healthcare.
Central to the discussions were key areas aimed at leveraging the UAE’s expertise and successes in healthcare to improve Kenya’s health systems.
Among the top priorities was vaccine production, a strategic initiative that aligns with Kenya’s goal of achieving self-reliance in combating infectious diseases.
Both parties emphasized the importance of building local capacity to produce vaccines, reducing dependency on imports, and ensuring timely access to essential immunizations.
Another focus was the expansion of primary healthcare services under Kenya’s Community Health Promoters (CHP) programme. By enhancing community-level healthcare delivery, the programme seeks to provide equitable and accessible health services to underserved populations.
The UAE’s experience in implementing robust primary healthcare systems was highlighted as a model that Kenya could adapt to strengthen its own.
The meeting also addressed strategies to accelerate progress toward universal health coverage (UHC), a cornerstone of Kenya’s healthcare agenda.
Discussions centered on improving the stockage of essential health products and technologies, ensuring that critical medicines, equipment, and supplies are consistently available in health facilities.
The UAE offered insights on efficient supply chain management and resource allocation to address Kenya’s pressing healthcare needs effectively.
“This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing healthcare for our people,” stated PS Harry Kimtai. He expressed optimism about the collaboration, noting that it would significantly contribute to achieving Kenya’s healthcare goals, including UHC by 2030.
H.E. Dr. Salim Ibrahim Al Naqbi reaffirmed the UAE’s dedication to strengthening bilateral ties with Kenya. “Our nations share a vision of improving lives through innovative and sustainable healthcare solutions. We are proud to work alongside Kenya in this journey,” he said.
The meeting underscores the growing cooperation between Kenya and the UAE, with healthcare serving as a vital pillar of their partnership. The outcomes of these discussions are expected to pave the way for impactful projects that will transform Kenya’s health sector.
About Author
