Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has outlined plans to deepen Kenya’s health cooperation with Türkiye as the outgoing Turkish Ambassador to Kenya, Subutay Yüksel, prepares to leave the country after completing his tenure.
Duale hosted Yüksel during a courtesy visit, where the two reflected on the longstanding relationship between Kenya and Türkiye and discussed areas of bilateral cooperation.
The CS said health remains a key pillar of the partnership, alongside education, agriculture, trade, investment and capacity building through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).
“Health remains a key pillar of this partnership,” Duale said, noting that Kenya and Türkiye have concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on health cooperation.
According to Duale, the agreement provides a framework for sustained collaboration between the two countries and could support the implementation of joint programmes targeting priority health needs.
He said discussions on women’s and children’s health had also opened opportunities for further cooperation, including the proposed Uwezo Hospitals and Kenya–Türkiye Centres for Children’s Ability and Women’s Health.
The proposed initiatives are expected to provide a platform for Kenya and Türkiye to share expertise and strengthen services targeting women and children.
Duale said Kenya was also interested in drawing from Türkiye’s experience as the government advances its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
He identified primary healthcare, digital health, local manufacturing, research and innovation, health financing and climate-resilient health systems among the areas where Kenya is seeking to strengthen capacity.
The CS said future cooperation could also focus on technology and knowledge transfer, specialist medical training and pandemic preparedness.
The engagement comes as Kenya continues to pursue reforms aimed at expanding access to healthcare while strengthening the capacity of health facilities and medical personnel.
Duale thanked Yüksel for his contribution to strengthening relations between Kenya and Türkiye during his tenure.
He wished the ambassador success in his future assignments and said Kenya looked forward to working with his successor.
“We look forward to welcoming his successor and building on the strong foundation established during his tenure,” Duale said.
The CS said continued cooperation with Türkiye would provide opportunities for Kenya to access technical expertise, training and technology as it pursues its broader healthcare reform agenda.