Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan with Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei and his Medical Services counterpart Ouma Oluga during a meeting on January 9, 2026/COURTESY
Kenya and China have taken a step forward in strengthening bilateral cooperation in the health sector following new discussions between Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei, his Medical Services counterpart Ouma Oluga, and Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan.
The talks, held in Nairobi, centred on plans to develop five hospitals across five counties, Kericho, Bungoma, Murang’a, Baringo, and Kilifi, under a cooperation framework reinforced during President William Ruto’s state visit to Beijing last year, and subsequent engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
According to officials, engagements relating to Baringo and Kericho counties are already at an advanced stage.
The meeting brought together senior officials from the two governments of Kenya and China, including representatives from the National Treasury, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga during the meeting/COURTESY
The session also reviewed progress under the broader Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership between the two countries.
In a statement, PS Sing’Oei said the meeting assessed progress on outcomes agreed during the Beijing visit and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to upholding international norms in its diplomacy with China.
“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.”
PS Sing’Oei added that Kenya values partnerships that support economic transformation, development financing, and new investment opportunities as the country pursues its long-term agenda.
Oluga, on his part, said the discussions also explored deeper cooperation in the health sector, with a focus on medical technology transfer, capacity building, and strengthening Kenya’s health systems.
According to Chinese officials, the talks align with China’s commitment to support Kenya’s socioeconomic development through infrastructure investment and sectoral partnerships, especially in health, trade, and agriculture.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan with another official during the meeting in Nairobi on January 9, 2026/COURTESY
Both parties expressed confidence that the new hospital development programme will bridge health infrastructure gaps in beneficiary counties and enhance access to specialised medical services.
The Kenyan government has prioritised investment in healthcare infrastructure as part of efforts to achieve universal health coverage and improve service delivery at the county level.
Officials said further technical consultations will be held to finalise implementation frameworks as Kenya and China continue to deepen bilateral cooperation.