Kenya Eyes Specialist Training, Uwezo Hospitals Under New Türkiye Health Deal

Kenya Eyes Specialist Training, Uwezo Hospitals Under New Türkiye Health Deal

Kenya is set to deepen health cooperation with Türkiye, with specialist medical training, technology transfer and the development of new health facilities among the key areas being considered under a new bilateral health framework.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said Kenya plans to use Türkiye’s expertise in healthcare training, technology and knowledge exchange as the country continues implementing Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Duale made the remarks on Saturday, October 3, following discussions with Türkiye’s outgoing Ambassador to Kenya, Subutay Yüksel.

The talks followed the conclusion of a Kenya-Türkiye Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on health cooperation, which provides a framework for expanded collaboration between the two countries.

“The conclusion of the Kenya-Türkiye Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on health cooperation provides a framework for sustained collaboration,” Duale said.

Kenya plans Uwezo Hospitals

One of the areas under discussion is the establishment of Uwezo Hospitals and Kenya-Türkiye Centres for Children’s Ability and Women’s Health.

The proposed facilities are expected to be developed in six counties: Nairobi, Nandi, Taita Taveta, Isiolo, Homa Bay and Uasin Gishu.

The centres are expected to focus on specialised healthcare services for women and children, including maternal and paediatric care.

Under the proposed partnership, Türkiye would support infrastructure development, while Kenya would provide land and take responsibility for managing the facilities once they become operational.

The planned hospitals are expected to increase access to specialised services, particularly in areas where patients currently face challenges accessing advanced maternal and child healthcare.

The government has not provided a specific construction timeline or confirmed when the proposed facilities will begin operations.

Focus on specialist medical training

Specialist training is another key component of the planned Kenya-Türkiye health cooperation.

Duale said Kenya intends to draw on Türkiye’s experience to strengthen the skills of Kenyan healthcare professionals and improve knowledge transfer.

The partnership is also expected to support technology exchange, research and innovation as Kenya works to strengthen its health system.

The cooperation builds on existing Turkish support to Kenya through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).

TİKA has previously supported Kenya through areas including medical equipment, infrastructure assistance and professional training.

The expanded health partnership is expected to build on this support while introducing additional areas of cooperation.

Pandemic preparedness and health financing

Kenya and Türkiye are also expected to collaborate on pandemic preparedness and measures aimed at improving the country’s ability to respond to future health emergencies.

Duale said the government is pursuing cooperation in health financing, medical production, research and innovation.

The partnership comes as Kenya continues efforts to strengthen primary healthcare and expand digital health services under the Universal Health Coverage programme.

The government has also been pursuing local production of medicines and medical supplies as part of efforts to reduce dependence on imported healthcare products.

Duale said Türkiye’s experience could provide technical support in several of these areas.

“As Kenya advances Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through stronger primary healthcare, digital health, local manufacturing, research and innovation, health financing and climate-resilient systems, we look forward to drawing on Türkiye’s experience and expanding cooperation in technology and knowledge transfer, specialist training, pandemic preparedness and other priority areas,” Duale said.

The Kenya-Türkiye health framework therefore covers several areas, ranging from specialist training and hospital infrastructure to medical manufacturing, research and pandemic preparedness.

The government said the cooperation is intended to strengthen Kenya’s healthcare system while expanding access to specialised services and supporting the country’s wider Universal Health Coverage agenda.

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Kenya Eyes Specialist Training, Uwezo Hospitals Under New Türkiye Health Deal