The ambitious five-year Reproductive, Maternal, New-born, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH-N) Investment Case in Kenya is an ambitious plan worth Sh 460 billion that is expected to save over 45,000 lives and achieve more than Sh 565 billion in economic returns by 2030.

Dr. Edward Serem, the head of RMNCAH-N said that the RMNCAH-N investment plan is focused on persistent challenges to maternal and child survival, equity, and social protection while considering health not merely as a social service but as a critical engine for economic growth.

“The investment case projected return on investment (ROI) on modelling tools, estimating that Kenya stands to gain KSh 12.50 in productivity benefits for every shilling invested in RMNCAH-N, resulting in an estimated KSh 565 billion in cumulative economic gains by 2030.”

Aden Duale, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Health, said the documents were developed through a collaborative effort involving the government, the private sector, faith-based institutions, and development partners.

“These documents provide significant data on the state of health care delivery today and the facilities’ a state of readiness. They assess the condition of the health workforce and the financial support needed to improve nutrition and maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health” stated Duale.

Under the investment plan, the substantial economic returns are closely linked to its projected impact on human lives. Full implementation between 2025 and 2030 is expected to avert more than 45,000 deaths, including 6,495 maternal deaths, 27,995 child deaths, and 11,071 stillbirths. These gains are critical to strengthening the nation’s human capital and could increase life expectancy from 66 to 72 years.

Over a five-year period, KSh 460 billion is then allocated in order to achieve these life-saving aims. However, the issue is not an enormous problem: only about sixty percent of the necessary expenditures are currently available, leaving a large KSh 193.8 billion fiscal shortfall. It demand quick and powerful advocacy for increased stability and significant domestic financing.

Maternal and Newborn Health services represent the greatest portion (43%), with the aim to decrease the maternal mortality ratio from 355 to 164 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2029–2030.

Nearly 40% of the expenditure will be invested into commodity procurement showing the importance of better supply chain coordination.

The plan takes an integrated approach that addresses clinical gaps while also tackling key social determinants of health.

While recognizing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as a major public health challenge, the plan allocates 8 percent of the budget toward its elimination by 2030. This includes scaling up community mobilization, school-based prevention education, and empowerment programs for women and girls.

Adolescent interventions should incorporate youth-friendly care, mental health services, and access to contraception to reduce teenage pregnancy rates.

The nutrition focus prioritizes addressing micronutrient deficiencies and managing the growing dual burden of malnutrition.

The success of the investment case depends on strong coordination through a Ministry of Health–led Multi-Stakeholder Country Platform, ensuring shared accountability among national and county governments and partners. Monitoring and evaluation will be data-driven, using county-level systems and regular performance reviews to transparently track progress.

While the roadmap is ambitious, the Ministry recognizes that external factors such as climate shocks, inequality, and weak infrastructure continue to threaten health outcomes.

Experts advocate for the integration of climate-resilient approaches into health planning to safeguard the continuous provision of life-saving services.
“There is a need to sustain the progress achieved by planning how RMNCAHN programs will be financed domestically in Kenya, while allocating more resources to high-impact interventions with measurable outcomes that support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This approach will also strengthen accountability and monitoring of RMNCAHN service delivery,” Lubaale said.

Representatives from two Japanese businesses, KIZUNA KAIHATSU and WELL MEDICAL GROUP, met with the United Republic of Tanzania’s Embassy in Tokyo. Mr. Willy Ngoya of WILNA International, a member of the Tanzanian Diaspora in Japan, presented the businesses. The team stated that the purpose of their visit was to investigate possible business partnerships and Official Development Assistance (ODA) initiatives in Tanzania. Along with other business representatives, Mr. Tetsuo Maeda, Director and Chief Sales Executive of Well Medical Group and Mr. Seichi Ryoke, Chief Executive Officer of Kizuna Kaihatsu, attended.

In light of the recently signed Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) between Tanzania and Japan on the Carbon Credit Mechanism, the Embassy stated that the proposal is in line with Tanzania’s environmental and green energy commitments and promised to facilitate collaboration with pertinent government institutions, including the Vice President’s Office. The Embassy noted that by promoting sustainable waste management and carbon reduction, the project might enhance current bilateral cooperation under this structure.

Mr. Maeda of Well Medical Group gave a presentation on the company’s anti-aging and regenerative medicine initiatives. He described the company’s business connections in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as well as its clinics in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kobe. Using patients’ own cells, the clinics offer stem cell therapy aimed at regenerative medicine, diabetes control, anti-aging and general health enhancement. Fat cells are extracted, cultivated into billions of cells and then returned into patients with minimally invasive procedures that leave no surgical scars. The plan for Tanzania is on setting up clinics and labs in Zanzibar, with the possibility of future growth for medical tourism aimed at European tourists. As part of the project, Tanzanian medical staff will receive professional training in regenerative medicine, which could lead to a wider deployment throughout Africa.

The Embassy offered to put the businesses in touch with the appropriate Tanzanian authorities and reaffirmed its support. Submitting supporting documentation to the Embassy, organizing site visits to Kizuna Kaihatsu’s production facilities and Well Medical Group’s demonstration clinics and maintaining contact with Tanzanian authorities for ODA approval and partnership facilitation are the next steps that have been decided upon. There will be follow-up meetings to discuss project specifics and implementation schedules in more depth.

Additionally, the Embassy thanked both businesses for their creative ideas, which have great potential to support Tanzania’s improved medical services and environmental sustainability. The Embassy also expressed its profound gratitude to Mr. Willy Ngoya for his ongoing efforts to foster investment cooperation between Japan and Tanzania and to connect the Embassy with Japanese businesses.

One of India’s top providers of specialized cancer treatments, Healthcare Global Enterprises Limited (HCG), has declared its intention to increase its market share in Africa. An investment of up to Rs. 700 lakhs (about $840,000) in Cancer Care Kenya Limited, a step-down subsidiary of HCG, has been approved by the company’s Board of Directors.

The investment will be made in equity shares of Cancer Care Kenya Limited, subject to relevant regulatory approvals and the fulfillment of certain procedures. Based on the fair worth of Cancer Care Kenya’s shares as established by an independent valuation expert, the decision was made at the Board meeting on November 12, 2023.

This action seems to be a component of HCG’s plan to increase its market share in the African healthcare industry. Located in Nairobi, Kenya, Cancer Care Kenya Limited offers radiation and chemotherapy therapies along with a 15-bed daycare center.

HCG’s trust in the African healthcare market’s potential for growth, especially in oncologist treatments, may be demonstrated by this investment. It also demonstrates the company’s dedication to diversifying its sources of income and growing its global footprint.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and other relevant regulations are followed in the structuring of the investment. HCG has indicated that it complies with cross-border investment standards by stating that the proposed investment is dependent upon the required regulatory clearances.

Apart from its investment in Cancer Care Kenya, Healthcare Global Enterprises has presented a thorough multi-year expansion plan. The strategy’s main objectives include oncology expansion, clinical excellence, deepening regional networks, improving margins, precision oncology and digital health platforms.

This multifaceted strategy shows HCG’s dedication to long-term expansion and its goal to solidify its standing as a pioneer in oncology services in India and around the world.

Together with its all-encompassing growth strategy, Healthcare Global Enterprises’ investment in Cancer Care Kenya may improve its standing in the expanding African healthcare market and support its long-term expansion in specialized oncology services.

A strategic collaboration agreement has been struck by the Ministry of Health to improve the nationwide supply and security of medical technologies and products.

Health Cabinet Secretary Duale was present when the deal was made.

Kemsa, the Digital Health Agency, the Social Health Authority and national referral hospitals are among the important organizations involved.

“Health CS Aden Duale today witnessed the signing of a landmark cooperation agreement on Health Products and Technologies Commodity Security between the Ministry of Health, the Digital Health Agency, the Social Health Authority, the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) and the National Referral Hospitals,” a statement from the ministry read.

The collaboration seeks to eliminate medicine stock-outs in public health facilities, enhance stock management and expedite procurement.

The introduction of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is supported by this action.

The CS emphasized the importance of technology, openness and prompt supply of necessary medical supplies.

He told Kenyans that Kemsa’s reforms, which are funded by the government, will guarantee that no patient is turned away because there isn’t enough medication.

Additionally, he urged CEOs of healthcare facilities to implement an automated, end-to-end supply system that is in line with the Ministry’s vision for digital health transformation.

Transparency and efficiency will increase with the implementation of track-and-trace systems. It will offer improved stock management, real-time data visibility and more efficient supply chain operations.

It is anticipated that this method will increase accountability and ensure the reliable provision of medical supplies.

The agreement is crucial to speeding up the delivery of UHC.

It provides help for key areas like commodities security, human resources for health, integrated digital health systems (HMIS) and health financing.

Additionally, Duale reaffirmed the government’s resolve to fortify KEMSA.

This entails intentions to finalize a Sh10 billion credit line for sustainable financing as well as a Sh1.5 billion recapitalization.

These initiatives seek to reach a fill rate of more than 70% and expand the supply of necessary health items.

Kemsa CEO Dr. Waqo Ejersa stated, “KEMSA is reforming to guarantee timely, affordable and reliable delivery of health commodities – patients shouldn’t face shortages again.”

In order to guarantee that everyone has access to high-quality, reasonably priced healthcare, particularly at the local level, the CS reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to concentrating on comprehensive health sector reforms.

Kenya and Morocco have started a cochlear implant program worth more than 120 million Kenyan shillings as part of a humanitarian collaboration between the Voice of Children Foundation Kenya, led by First Lady Rachel Ruto and the Lalla Asmaa Foundation of Morocco, directed by Princess Lalla Asmaa. The program, which aims to restore sense of hearing for hundreds of children with severe deafness, involves implants, some surgical procedures, continuous training for medical teams and thorough post-operative follow-up to guarantee auditory rehabilitation and the young beneficiaries’ school integration.

Kenya and Morocco have teamed up to give youngsters who are profoundly deaf a second chance at life. An ambitious cochlear implant scheme worth about USD 928,000 has been initiated by the two nations. The Lalla Asmaa Foundation of Morocco, headed by Princess Lalla Asmaa and the Voice of Children Foundation Kenya, led by First Lady Rachel Ruto, are leading this medical and humanitarian effort.

Morocco will supply the implants, perform some of the surgical procedures and instruct Kenyan medical teams in accordance with the agreement made by the two foundations. Kenyatta National Hospital will host the initial procedures, which will thereafter continue in Morocco in early 2026. In order to guarantee the young patients’ complete school integration, post-operative care and auditory rehabilitation are planned.

This collaboration demonstrates the strength of South-South cooperation in Africa, an innovative model of solidarity that combines investments in human resources, medical innovation and skill transfer. According to national data from 2021, hearing issues impact around 4,800 children per 100,000 in Kenya, highlighting the need and necessity of this continental effort.

Ten new ARV and other medical product factories are to be established in Tanzania, according to proposals released.

It was announced that the Ministry of Health, along with several partners, will build ten new facilities to produce pharmaceuticals and medical equipment in the nation.

These factories will produce a variety of goods, including tablets and liquid medications, laboratory reagents, intravenous fluids (drips) and antiretroviral medications (ARVs).

“The initiative intends to increase investment in the pharmaceutical and health product manufacturing sector while also boosting the national economy”, said Jenista Mhagama, the Minister of Health, who made the announcement in Parliament in Dodoma.

Minister Mhagama also disclosed that the Tanzania Pharmaceutical Industries (TPI) factory in the Arusha region has been revitalized and supported by the government through the Medical Stores Department (MSD), allowing it to start producing ARV medications in full.

These initiatives aim to improve the nation’s domestic pharmaceutical supply, lessen reliance on foreign imports and boost the nation’s health sector and manufacturing capabilities.

At Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and technologies (JKUAT), a new research initiative has been launched to improve the delivery of health services in Kenya through the use of mobile technologies. In order to promote the execution of the Kenya National eHealth Policy (2016–2030), the initiative seeks to connect patients with public health organizations and healthcare professionals.

The Kenyan government has long envisioned eHealth as part of its universal health care agenda, which views ICT adoption and utilization as essential to achieving the greatest possible standards of health.

However, a number of obstacles have stood in the way of the aspiration’s realization, chief among them being inadequate systems for managing health and medical information and the complexity of managing sensitive patient data.

Volunteer patients will test for ovulation or malaria at home as part of the research, and they will communicate the results with doctors in affiliated facilities using a mobile application (App).

In a system that guarantees the accuracy and integrity of patient data, the goal is to enable patients to receive medical diagnoses without having to travel. After that, the doctors can analyse the test results and give the patients the appropriate advice.

“EHealth programs, which include digital technologies like electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, mobile health apps and data analytics, offer transformative advantages in healthcare delivery leading to improved patient outcomes and operational efficiencies,” said Dr. Reuben Thuo, principal of JKUAT’s College of Health Sciences.

The African Development Bank is funding the project, which was introduced during the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama, Japan, last month. It will be in operation for the next three years.

Three hospitals – Murang’a County Referral Hospital, Mama Lucy Hospital and Machakos Referral Hospital shall work together to pilot the project, which will be led by JKUAT’s Digital Health Applied Research Centre.

Over the course of the project, the participating academics will also develop the ability of healthcare professionals in partner hospitals to effectively use new technologies in the delivery of health services and make policy suggestions based on the data insights that emerge. Additionally, the group will test the usage of “MyChart” software, a specialized site that enables users to manage health data from computers or smartphones.

The initiative is the result of a partnership agreement inked in 2019 between JKUAT and the Association of African Economy & Development (AFRECO), a Japanese organization. G Cube Co. Ltd. and Qunie Corporation, two more Japanese businesses, will also participate in the pilot study. The former will supply testing kits, while the latter will create project business models that might be implemented in other parts of Kenya.

According to AFRECO Secretary-General Kyoko Hasegawa, the initiative’s goals are to increase JKUAT’s capabilities as a health research center, set up systems to encourage population health awareness at all times and suggest financial and policy options to support these initiatives. Ms. Hasegawa continued, “We see this project as a catalyst for JKUAT to develop into a healthcare information center and beyond.”

The ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), took place from August 20 to 22 in Yokohama, Japan. With the theme “Co-Create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” TICAD9 aimed to capitalise on both Japanese innovation capacity and African creativity.

International organisation leaders are among the approximately fifty African heads of state or high-ranking delegates in attendance. TICAD9 was also attended by Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa. An Indian Ocean-Africa commercial Zone was proposed by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in an effort to strengthen commercial ties between the Middle East, India, the Indian Ocean region and Africa.

He has unveiled a US$5.5 billion credit plan that was arranged with the African Development Bank to help Africa’s debt problems and promote sustainable development. In order to support the digital transformation of economies and increase job creation, he also promised to train 30,000 AI specialists over the course of the following three years.

Japan is the initiator and launcher of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), an international conference. It is Japan’s premier diplomatic endeavour that strengthens ties between Japan and Africa while offering a forum for cooperation between Africa, Japan and other nations.

In 1993, the UN, UNDP, World Bank and African Union Commission co-hosted the first TICAD in Tokyo. Every three years, the meeting alternates between Africa and Japan. Through TICAD, Japan and international organisations collaborate with Africa to advance sustainable development, peace, stability and prosperity. Africa leads, with cooperation from international partners, in a partnership that goes beyond aid. All partners, including nations, organisations, the commercial sector and civil society, our encouraged to use the platform.

TICAD’s goal is to advance Africa’s development, with a particular emphasis on industrialisation, sustainable development, economic expansion and conflict avoidance in African nations; bolster collaboration by giving African nations, Japan, international organisations, development partners and the private sector a forum to work together.

Japan has a strategic but gentle influence in Africa, relying more on technology and assistance diplomacy than on force. From US $8 billion in 2000 to US$24 billion in the early 2020s, Japan’s commerce with Africa has increased significantly. Additionally, it agreed to provide US $5 billion in co-financing with the African Development Bank for a credit line for African and Japanese start-ups, with US $4 billion going towards a green growth initiative and training 30,000 African professionals in fields such as public administration and medicine. Under PM Shinzo Abe, TICAD developed into a platform for growing aid and corporate partnerships.

As of January 2025, Japan has 41 resident embassies on the continent, expanding its diplomatic presence. Japan and the UN Economic Commission for Africa began a US$1 million initiative in May 2025 to help implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).

Japan gave Madagascar a loan of €350 million and technical assistance to support the expansion of the Toamasina Port, Senegal a loan of US $4.7 million to repair Mole 3 at Dakar Port and the Ivorian government a further loan of 10 billion CFA Francs to fund the building of the Grain Terminal at the Autonomous Port of Abidjan. When PM Kishida visited Ghana in May 2023, he promised to use US $500 million over three years to promote peace and security in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea.

Japanese companies invest in the energy, infrastructure and industrial industries. Japan is one of Africa’s most significant development partners. Japan is concentrating on infrastructure, healthcare, education and technology. Japan is now a major player on the continent and its connection with Africa has developed into a stronger friendship and cooperative partnership throughout time.

The Kenyan Nurse Consultants Limited (KNCL) and the Kenya Progressive Nurses Association (KPNA) have formed a strategic relationship to enhance professional development and provide nurses with access to international career routes.

Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, hosted the meeting, which included representatives from the British Council, KNCL, and KPNA. The program aims to close training, mentorship and international opportunity gaps so Kenyan nurses can succeed domestically and outside.

The goal of the consultancy is to empower nurses by providing them with thorough training and professional guidance. KNCL, which has locations all throughout the nation, assists nurses in getting ready for professions abroad by offering study abroad referrals, brief clinical instruction in life-saving techniques and National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam coaching.

Speaking on behalf of the British Council, Stephanie Wange emphasised how crucial it is for Kenyan nurses who want to work overseas to be able to communicate in English. Before granting licenses to foreign-trained nurses, countries like the US, UK, Canada and Australia demand international English proficiency tests.

According to Wange, the collaboration will make these tests more accessible by lowering costs and streamlining logistics, enabling more nurses to get over geographical and financial obstacles. One of the most frequent barriers for nurses looking to pursue opportunities outside of Kenya is addressed by this approach.

KPNA President Michael Ngesa praised the partnership, pointing out that the organisation has historically supported professionalism, ongoing medical education and nurse mentorship. The group expects that by partnering with KNCL, professional development will become more accessible and cheap, particularly in rural regions where opportunities are few.

“It is an investment in Kenya’s healthcare system to empower nurses,” Ngesa stated, adding that “better-trained nurses result in better patient outcomes across the country.”

In order to guarantee that no nurse is left behind, he emphasised the significance of making training programs accessible and inclusive.

The company’s goal was broadened by Edwin Simiyu, CEO of KNCL, to give nurses the resources they need for jobs both domestically and abroad. He noted that Kenyan nurses who previously had to fly outside for testing now had fewer obstacles thanks to the opening of an NCLEX exam centre in Nairobi.

Simiyu underlined that the collaboration with KPNA will also shield nurses from being taken advantage of by dishonest people by providing them with a reliable and organised route from education to employment.

He pointed out that nurses will receive skills, career assistance and mentorship through diaspora support programs, decentralised training and short courses like Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS).

The CEO of KNCL went on to say that the collaboration aims to empower professionals with top-notch capabilities, bolstering Kenya’s healthcare sector in addition to enabling nurses find jobs outside.

Stakeholders pledged to carry out the stated objectives, which included clinical training, mentorship sessions and assistance with international job placement.

This collaboration shows how cooperation amongst international organisations, private consultancies and professional groups can provide answers to local and global healthcare problems. KNCL, KPNA and the British Council are building a system that empowers professionals, shields them from exploitation and fortifies Kenya’s health sector by training nurses for roles abroad while fostering their development domestically.

In order to guarantee that healthcare data is handled, safeguarded and used responsibly throughout its lifecycle, a framework of policies, procedures and practices known as health data governance, will be strengthened and standardised throughout the continent by the Africa Centre for Disease Control (Africa CDC).

The Africa CDC declared that it will take the lead in creating a Continental Health Data Governance Framework, which will be presented to Member States for approval during the AU Summit in February 2026.

In her welcoming remarks, Dr Martha Terefe, Deputy Chief of Staff, Africa CDC, stated, “Such a framework would establish an agreement between Member States regarding optimal legislation and regulation for the effective and equitable governance of health data and build continental alignment and collaboration around a harmonised African position on health data governance that supports cross-border data flows, with the necessary protections in place.”

“Governance is the throne, but data is king,” stated Namibia’s Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Esperance Luvindao.

There was never a greater pressing need for Dr. Luvindao. Treating data as a valuable asset rather than letting it turn into a burden is essential in the current era of digitalisation and artificial intelligence. Decision-making, illness outbreak prediction and policy creation should all be guided by health data. However, we run the risk of losing control over this priceless resource in the absence of trustworthy, moral and well-coordinated government.

“Health information is potent. It can close equity gaps, assist real-time decision-making, enhance health outcomes and fortify health systems when properly managed. According to Dr. Terefe, it can facilitate what is known as precision public health, which is the capacity to customise interventions based on timely, localised, and genuine data.

The Framework will draw on current norms and standards, such as the equality and rights-based principles outlined in the widely accepted Health Data Governance Principles and be guided by the AU Data Policy Framework as well as current best practices and techniques used by nations.

At the request of Member States, Africa CDC has also promised to promote the establishment or improvement of national health data governance laws and regulations by offering Member States normative direction and technical assistance to build local capability.

Judith Nguimfack, Principal Digital Delivery Specialist, Africa CDC, who moderated the session, stated, “The commitment reflects the collective resolve of the continental agency to strengthen the governance, protection, and responsible use of health data as a cornerstone for equitable, resilient, and people-centered health systems.”

Amidst the rapidly changing governance landscape in the age of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, Africa CDC is signalling a sea change in the continent’s strategy for digital and health transformation. In order to support evidence-based policymaking, protect data sovereignty, improve public health outcomes, spur innovation, streamline the sector and protect the rights and confidence of African residents, it establishes health data as a strategic asset.

A unified continental framework will encourage the sharing of best practices and experiences throughout the continent, create a shared understanding and consensus regarding key legislative provisions, support legal coherence across jurisdictions, build trust, make cross-border data sharing easier and encourage the growth and expansion of innovations across nations.

The Africa CDC’s pledge marks a significant turning point in our journey. “Transform Health is dedicated to supporting these efforts towards more robust health data governance that protects rights, fortifies systems, and unlocks the potential of data for health for everyone in the digital age,” stated Mathilde Forslund, Executive Director, Transform Health, one of the Flagship co-chairs.