Kenya and Belgium Deepen Collaboration on Medical Waste Management and Bio-Manufacturing Training
𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢, 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 – 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟑𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓;
Cabinet Secretary for Health, @HonAdenDuale held a bilateral meeting with the Ambassador of Belgium to Kenya, H.E. Peter Maddens, to review progress on two key healthcare projects supported by the Belgian Government.
During the meeting, Hon. Duale acknowledged Belgium’s continued support in strengthening Kenya’s health systems, particularly through the Medical Waste Microwave Project. The initiative, aimed at enhancing healthcare waste management and reducing the risk of infections and environmental harm, has already seen the successful completion of Phase 2021. Beneficiary institutions include Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, and regional facilities in Kakamega, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, Embu, Nyeri, Machakos, and Kisii. Preparations are underway for Phase 2, which will expand the project to 15 additional counties.
The discussions also focused on finalizing the operational aspects of the KEMRI-Unizima Bio-Manufacturing Training Hub. Key next steps include the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two governments, mobilization of additional financing, and accelerated staff training placements in Belgium, alongside ongoing development of local infrastructure.
Both projects are aligned with the Ministry’s priorities under Universal Health Coverage (UHC), particularly in improving environmental health and fostering Kenya’s local biopharmaceutical manufacturing capacity.
Hon. Duale was accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, the Director General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth, and the Acting CEO of KEMRI, Prof. Elijah Martim.