Kenya and the United Kingdom have renewed their health partnership under the Kenya-UK Health Alliance (KUKHA) for another five years, following the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement will guide joint efforts in healthcare, research, innovation, trade, and investment from 2026 to 2031.
The MoU was signed by Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Ouma Oluga, representing the Kenyan government, and Professor Graham Lord of King’s College London on behalf of the UK institutions. Other representatives included officials from the University of Manchester, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, and the University of Nottingham.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and the UK High Commissioner. The renewed agreement builds on the progress made over the past five years, which has seen improvements in health workforce training, specialised clinical services, cancer treatment, kidney care, research collaboration, and academic exchange.
Under the new framework, the partnership will expand into emerging and critical areas. These include digital health, artificial intelligence, local production of medical technologies, and strengthening health security systems. The alliance will also focus on developing climate-resilient healthcare systems, encouraging technology transfer, and promoting trade and investment in the health sector. Additionally, it will support the implementation of Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
A key feature of the renewed agreement is its alignment with Kenya’s Health Policy Platform. This ensures that all joint programmes are integrated into national planning, budgeting, and monitoring systems, improving coordination, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
The renewed Kenya-UK Health Alliance underscores the commitment of both countries to deepen collaboration, drive innovation, and mobilise investments in the health sector. The partnership aims to build stronger, more resilient health systems and improve access to quality healthcare for citizens in both nations.
