President William Ruto has urged top U.S. health training institutions to establish exchange programs for Kenyan students to enhance research in the health sector. Speaking at the U.S. CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday, Ruto specifically called on institutions like the Perelman Centre of Advanced Medicine in Philadelphia, Johns Hopkins, Harvard, Columbia, Duke, and Emory universities to collaborate with local universities in Kenya.
“Through such collaboration, we aim to expand learning horizons and deepen insights into emerging threats, including zoonotic diseases,” Ruto said.
Ruto, who is on a four-day State visit to the U.S. termed the American government Kenya’s greatest ally in the health sector.
He hailed the partnership between Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and U.S. institutions.
“The partnership between CDC, the National Institute of Health, and KEMRI, spanning seven research programs has led to significant scientific discoveries, notably the malaria vaccine, enhancing healthcare outcomes,” said Ruto.
The President called for increased grants to KEMRI to help establish strong intellectual property and scientific entrepreneurship frameworks to support Kenya’s product development.
“I therefore encourage you to enhance support for better coordination, aligning efforts to improve our health system. This includes prioritizing and investing in the implementation of the Kenya Health Sector Partnership and Coordination Framework (2018-2030),” Ruto told the audience.
At the same time, Ruto praised the U.S. government’s President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) initiative in not only Kenya’s efforts to combat HIV/Aids but also achieve success in global health.
“Together, we’ve turned a once fatal disease into a manageable condition, achieving significant success in global health. Through collaboration with the US, Kenya is transitioning HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis programs into primary health care initiatives, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 3,” said Ruto.
Since 2003, the U.S. government has invested at least $8 billion in Kenya, according to figures from the U.S. Embassy. This funding contributes more than half of the total HIV/AIDS care funds in Kenya, supporting programs for over 1.6 million people living with HIV in the country.
Ruto’s visit to the U.S. marks the first visit by an African leader in 15 years, aiming to strengthen ties with the U.S. and open doors to investment. On Monday, he invited American investors and manufacturers to explore opportunities in Kenya, amid growing interest from Asian and Middle Eastern companies in Africa.
On Tuesday, Ruto is scheduled to visit Spelman College in Atlanta to highlight the critical role of higher education, particularly in science and technology, in attracting investments. A State House communiqué indicates that he will also visit Tyler Perry Studios to explore opportunities in the creative economy and then head to the Coca-Cola company to forge new investments.
Additionally, Ruto will launch Kenyan fashion label Vivo’s inaugural store in Atlanta. Finally, he and First Lady Rachel Ruto will attend a dinner hosted by the state’s mayor, Andre Dickens.
