Kenya is set to deepen its health partnership with Türkiye, with specialist training, technology transfer and new health facilities among the areas the two countries are looking to advance.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said Kenya plans to draw on Türkiye’s experience in specialist training, technology and knowledge exchange as the country continues its efforts to expand Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Duale spoke on Saturday, October 3, 2026, after meeting Türkiye’s outgoing Ambassador to Kenya, Subutay Yüksel, where they discussed additional areas of health cooperation.
The discussions follow the conclusion of a Kenya-Türkiye Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on health cooperation, which provides a framework for continued 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.
Uwezo Hospitals planned in six counties
Kenya and Türkiye are also working to advance plans for Uwezo Hospitals and Kenya-Türkiye Centres for Children’s Ability and Women’s Health.
The proposed facilities are expected to be established in six counties: Nairobi, Nandi, Taita Taveta, Isiolo, Homa Bay and Uasin Gishu.
The centres will focus on specialised services for women and children, with the aim of improving access to maternal and paediatric care in areas where such services remain limited.
Under the proposal, Türkiye would support infrastructure development, while the Kenyan government would provide land and take responsibility for managing the facilities once they are operational.
The planned hospitals add to Türkiye’s existing support to Kenya through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), which has provided medical equipment, infrastructure support and professional training.
More areas of cooperation
The health partnership will also cover pandemic preparedness and other measures aimed at strengthening Kenya’s health system.
Kenya is seeking cooperation with Türkiye in areas including health financing, local production of medical goods, research and innovation.
Duale said Kenya’s health agenda, including stronger primary healthcare and digital health, would benefit from greater exchange of knowledge and technology between the two countries.
‘’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 expanded cooperation comes as Kenya continues to pursue reforms in healthcare financing, digital health and local manufacturing as part of its broader UHC programme.