Kenya and China are moving closer to deepening cooperation in the health sector, with plans underway to establish five new hospitals across the country.
The discussions took place in Nairobi on January 9, 2026, involving Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei, Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga, and Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan.
The talks focused on developing hospitals in Kericho, Bungoma, Murang’a, Baringo, and Kilifi counties, as part of a partnership framework strengthened during President William Ruto’s state visit to Beijing last year and follow-up engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Officials noted that projects in Baringo and Kericho are already at advanced planning stages.
Senior officials from Kenya’s Ministry of Health, National Treasury, and Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs joined the discussions alongside their Chinese counterparts, reviewing progress under the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership between the two nations.
In a statement, PS Sing’Oei said the meeting evaluated the implementation of outcomes agreed during the Beijing visit and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to international norms.
“At my meeting today with Guo Haiyan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Kenya, we reviewed the status of our Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and shared progress made in implementing outcomes of President Ruto’s state visit to Beijing last year,” Sing’Oei said.
"In assessing the risks and uncertainties pertinent to the current global environment, I assured Ambassador Haiyan of Kenya’s steadfast commitment to the rules of international law as stipulated in the UN Charter and reiterated our firm adherence to the One China Policy.”
He added that Kenya values partnerships that support economic transformation, development financing, and new investment opportunities as the country pursues its long-term goals.
PS Oluga highlighted the focus on health sector collaboration, particularly in medical technology transfer, skills development, and strengthening health systems.
According to Chinese officials, the discussions reflect China’s support for Kenya’s social and economic development through investment in infrastructure and sector partnerships, particularly in health, trade, and agriculture.
Both sides expressed confidence that the hospital programme will help address health infrastructure gaps in the selected counties and improve access to specialised medical services. The Kenyan government has prioritised healthcare infrastructure as part of its drive toward universal health coverage and better service delivery at county level.
Officials said further technical meetings will be conducted to finalise implementation frameworks, as Kenya and China continue to expand their bilateral cooperation in key sectors.
