Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has stepped up engagement with the African Development Bank (AfDB) as the government moves to unlock a new wave of major health projects aimed at expanding specialised care across the country.
Duale on Tuesday met an AfDB delegation led by Ms. Hendrina Doroba, where the two teams held long, detailed discussions on projects the government believes will ease pressure on overstretched hospitals and bring essential services closer to ordinary Kenyans.
One of the major plans on the table is the construction of a Level 6 trauma hospital in Londiani. The facility is expected to cater to the growing number of road accident victims along the busy corridor, offering faster, more advanced emergency care for a region that has long relied on distant referral hospitals.
The two sides also reviewed progress on the proposed Level 6 Centre of Excellence in Bungoma County, a project designed to provide comprehensive care for patients living with Sickle Cell Disease. The centre will also serve as a regional blood hub, a step health officials say could significantly improve blood availability during emergencies.
Another key focus of the meeting was the East Africa Kidney Institute (EAKI). Once fully launched, the institute is expected to widen access to specialised kidney treatment and provide advanced training for health workers reducing the need for expensive referrals abroad and making care more affordable for families.
Duale said the projects reflect the government’s resolve to spread specialised services beyond major cities and ensure that “every Kenyan, regardless of county or region, can access quality healthcare without hardship.” He added that the initiatives also support the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which frames health as a key driver of social and economic stability.
The meeting brought together senior officials from the health sector, including Medical Services PS Dr. Ouma Oluga, Director-General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Curative and Nursing Services Director Dr. Toro, and Head of Infrastructure and Grants Dr. Hezron Omollo highlighting the joint effort between government and development partners to upgrade Kenya’s health system.