Kenya seeks UK partnerships to drive UHC, health innovation

Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga on Thursday engaged stakeholders at the UK–Kenya Business Forum Healthcare Roundtable in Nairobi, where discussions centred on positioning healthcare as a strategic growth sector and strengthening bilateral partnerships to support Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.

The forum, held at Serena Hotel under the theme “Healthcare as a Strategic Growth Sector: UK–Kenya Partnerships for Delivery, Innovation & Investment,” brought together government officials, UK representatives, development partners, investors and private sector players for policy and industry dialogue aimed at unlocking investment opportunities in the health sector.

Dr. Oluga said the government remains committed to positioning healthcare as a driver of economic growth and innovation, citing ongoing health financing reforms, including the transition to Social Health Insurance.

He also highlighted the role of blended finance and public–private partnerships in mobilising sustainable capital for the sector.

He pointed to opportunities for UK firms across healthcare supply chains, logistics, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, infrastructure development and digital health.

The PS further underscored the importance of healthcare digitisation under the Digital Health Strategy, as well as workforce development through skills training and specialist capacity building.

The roundtable concluded with a shared commitment between Kenya and the United Kingdom to advance a modern, inclusive and digitally enabled health system, aimed at improving health outcomes and positioning Kenya as a regional healthcare and manufacturing hub.