China backs Kenya's health sector reforms in new Sh64.5billion partnership

Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale held a strategic engagement with a Chinese delegation led by Ambassador H.E. Ms. Guo Haiyan. [Courtesy/Ministry of Health]

Health Cabinet Secretary Hon Aden Duale has held a strategic engagement with a Chinese delegation to discuss the establishment of local vaccine and pharmaceutical production hubs using Chinese technology.

The delegations, led by Ambassador H.E. Ms Guo Haiyan, focused on a transformative USD 500 million (Sh64.5billion) joint initiative aimed at strengthening Kenya’s supply chains, reducing import dependency, creating employment in line with the government’s development agenda, and positioning Kenya as a continental leader in health product manufacturing—a vision expected to materialise by 2028 with support from the Chinese government.

“This project is a gateway for deeper collaboration,” the Cabinet Secretary emphasised, as he welcomed China’s offer of 500 scholarships and 20 annual health exchange programmes as a key investment in Kenya’s future health leadership. He also called for Chinese support in transitioning Kenya from donor-dependence to co-investment in healthcare innovation.

Briefing the delegation on Kenya’s ongoing health sector reforms—particularly the establishment of the Social Health Authority (SHA)—Hon Duale proposed the formation of a Kenya–China Health Cooperation Taskforce to harmonise priorities, fast-track memoranda of understanding (MoUs), and monitor progress.

He also commended China’s continued support through technology firms such as Huawei, which have played a key role in equipping rural health facilities and training thousands of health workers.

The Cabinet Secretary was joined by the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms Mary Muthoni, CBS, and the Director-General for Health, Dr Patrick Amoth.

Kenya has historically relied on China as a close development partner, having received billions in investments for infrastructure projects, including roads and railways. China is now Kenya’s largest creditor.

President Ruto’s visit to China earlier this year was crucial, as his administration navigated a challenging economic landscape exacerbated by US tariffs. Experts noted the visit as a strategic move to solidify ties with Beijing and potentially shift focus from traditional Western partnerships.

Ruto’s previous criticisms of Chinese loans during his campaign added complexity to the discussions. He had linked Kenya’s debt crisis to Chinese financing; however, the visit marked a significant policy shift reminiscent of former President Kenyatta’s approach, which sought to leverage Chinese investment for infrastructure development.