Kenya Strengthens Specialised Healthcare Through Global Partnerships

Remigius Maloba

Kenya is advancing global health partnerships to strengthen its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda and expand specialised healthcare services, with a focus on cancer care, cardiovascular treatment, and AI-driven early disease detection.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale disclosed the developments on February 2 after a meeting with Dr. Akbar Waljee, Executive Director of the University of Michigan Centre for Global Health Equity (CGHE), to discuss the joint initiative.

“Our discussions focused on high-impact interventions in cancer care, the use of Artificial Intelligence for early disease detection and improved clinical outcomes, and the proposed establishment of an AI-in-Health Centre of Excellence at Kenyatta National Hospital to build advanced data science capacity among clinicians,” Duale posted on X.

The proposed AI-in-Health Centre will equip Kenyan clinicians with modern data analytics and AI skills to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.

Duale also highlighted plans to co-develop Centres of Excellence in Cardiovascular Care and Sports Medicine, enhancing specialised healthcare while promoting medical tourism.

Move underscores the Government’s commitment to innovation

The Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, said the partnership is aimed at positioning Kenya as a regional hub for specialised healthcare and medical tourism.

“The engagement underscores the Government’s commitment to innovation, skills transfer, and global collaboration to improve health outcomes, expand specialised services, and deliver quality, affordable healthcare for all Kenyans,” she said.

The government plans to establish a Policy, Innovation, and Reciprocal Learning Institute, leveraging CGHE’s expertise to facilitate South-South collaboration and knowledge sharing across African health systems.

To ensure timely implementation, a joint MoH-KNH-CGHE working group will develop a time-bound roadmap, building on ongoing initiatives like the USD 6.5 million Uzima-DS program and aligning with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

By combining international expertise with national health priorities, Kenya can accelerate UHC, strengthen its healthcare workforce, and improve access to specialised healthcare for patients across the country.

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