The government has committed more than Sh500 million to go towards the operationalisation of the World Health Organization African regional operations and logistics hub.
The groundbreaking for construction of the logistics hub took place on Saturday. The facility will be equipped with emergency medical personnel, commodities and equipment to support Kenya and other countries in the region.
President Uhuru Kenyatta said the government has also provided WHO with rent-free office space at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital.
The office space will accommodate up to 150 officers needed to start preparations for the establishment of the hub.
The logistics hub is expected to build and support capacity for disaster management systems and technical expertise.
“An expanded and more versatile emergencies hub in Kenya will allow WHO to effectively and swiftly support Kenya and all Eastern and Southern African countries by maintaining stockpiles of medical and logistical supplies,” Uhuru said.
“We will continue to collaborate with other development partners in sourcing more resources to support the completion and operationalisation of this hub.”
The President said he directed the National Treasury and Kenya Revenue Authority to expedite customs clearance for the emergency logistics hub’s medical supplies.
Kenya is among three African countries selected by WHO to host a logistics hub. The other two are Senegal and Nigeria.
African countries have battled many outbreaks in the past, including several devastating Ebola virus disease epidemics and the recurrent ravages of cholera, yellow fever and meningitis.
These outbreaks compound the persistent burden of endemic diseases such as malaria, typhoid and HIV.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus said the centre will help address at least 100 health emergencies every year.
Those targeted include cholera, yellow fever, meningitis, measles and Ebola outbreaks.
"The construction of an emergency logistics hub and centre of excellence marks Kenya's continued partnership with WHO and the United Nations in general," Tedros said.
Edited by A.N
