Kenya secures Ksh 1.8B grant from China to upgrade hospitals

Kenya has secured a Ksh 1.8 billion (RMB 100 million) grant from the Chinese government to upgrade several hospitals across the country, a move set to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and enhance service delivery.

The agreement was signed Thursday morning at the Treasury Building by Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning, John Mbadi, alongside China’s Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Ms. Guo Haiyan.

The grant will fund critical upgrades in Londiani Referral Hospital, Baringo County Referral Hospital, Kilifi Hospital, Misikhu Hospital, Bildad Kagia Hospital and Kaimosi Farmers Training College.

These improvements will enhance medical services, equip hospitals with modern facilities, and ensure more Kenyans have access to quality healthcare.

Speaking at the signing, CS Mbadi thanked the Chinese government for its continued support, highlighting the importance of international partnerships in strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system.

He noted that the investment reflects the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations and aligns with the government’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The announcement comes as the government makes strides in implementing Taifa Care, Kenya’s new social health scheme under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

According to a National Development Implementation Committee (NDIC) report, Taifa Care has already collected Ksh 31.56 billion, with Ksh 22.15 billion disbursed to healthcare providers across the country.

Faith-based organisations (FBOs) have received Ksh 3.49 billion, government health facilities Ksh 7.25 billion, and private healthcare providers Ksh 11.42 billion.

So far, 20.6 million Kenyans have enrolled in TaifaCare, with 16.6 million actively registered.

Additionally, over four million people have undergone means testing to determine their premium contributions.

To stabilize the new scheme, SHIF has also paid Ksh 8.63 billion to clear debts inherited from the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

With the Chinese-funded hospital upgrades and the continued expansion of Taifa Care, millions of Kenyans stand to benefit from better healthcare infrastructure, improved medical equipment, and enhanced service delivery.

The government remains committed to ensuring every citizen can access affordable and quality medical care without financial hardship.