Kenya Donates 30 Acres for Construction of WHO Regional Emergency Hub in Nairobi

The government has donated 30 acres of land next to Kenyatta University for the construction of a World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Emergency Hub for Eastern and Southern Africa.

President Ruto announced the move during the launch of a CyberKnife at  Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) on Monday

“I am delighted by the decision to make available 30 acres of unutilized land to the World Health Organization for the development of a regional health emergency hub and training centre for Africa. I note that this provision leaves adequate land available for the future expansion of the university and this hospital,” he said.

The president pointed out that Kenya would reap big from the partnership with WHO, including the creation of employment opportunities.

“The MOU signed today provides the framework under which Kenya and WHO will collaborate in health, training and rescue efforts during disasters and other emergencies. Other benefits expected to accrue from this collaboration will include employment opportunities as well as capacity building and technology transfer,” added Ruto.

On Monday, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Wafula and WHO Representative Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo signed an MoU to establish the hub that will serve as a modern storage center for essential medical equipment and consumables.

The hub will also ensure timely logistical support to countries with emergencies in Eastern and Southern Africa.

It will house a center of excellence specialized in capacity building in health and crisis emergency management.

Through the partnership, CS Wafula said Kenya will gain access to the WHO's vast network of experts, knowledge and resources and leverage the latest technologies to enhance response times and provide crucial healthcare services during emergencies.

The hub will also enhance Kenya´s ability to coordinate with other countries in the region, and through partnerships with regional bodies such as the African Union and the East African Community as well as improve collective response to emergencies.