Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has praised outgoing Belgian Ambassador to Kenya Peter Maddens for his contribution to strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system and advancing the country’s ambition to become a regional hub for vaccine and biologics manufacturing.

Taking to his official X account on Monday, June 29, 2026, after hosting the ambassador on a farewell courtesy visit, Duale said the two reflected on the longstanding partnership between Kenya and Belgium, particularly in supporting the country’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda through investments in healthcare infrastructure, health systems strengthening, local pharmaceutical manufacturing and innovation.

“On a courtesy visit, I hosted the outgoing Belgian Ambassador to Kenya, Peter Maddens, who called on me to bid farewell following the successful completion of his tour of duty,” Duale stated.

“We reflected on the strong and enduring partnership between Kenya and Belgium, particularly in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through investments in healthcare infrastructure, health systems strengthening, local pharmaceutical manufacturing and innovation.”

Duale commends Belgium

The Cabinet Secretary commended Belgium for its continued support in improving sustainable healthcare delivery, noting that the partnership had contributed to the adoption of modern clinical waste management technologies that have enhanced efficiency, lowered operational costs and promoted environmental sustainability across health facilities.

A key highlight of the discussions was the collaboration between the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Unizima and the Kenya BioVax Institute, which has led to the establishment of the KEMRI–Unizima Biomanufacturing Training Hub in Nairobi.

“I commended Belgium’s support in enhancing sustainable healthcare delivery, including the adoption of modern clinical waste management technologies that have improved efficiency, reduced costs and promoted environmental sustainability in our health facilities,” Duale wrote on X.

“We also acknowledged the important collaboration between Kenya Medical Research Institute, Unizima and Kenya BioVax Institute in establishing the KEMRI–Unizima Biomanufacturing Training Hub in Nairobi, a key initiative in strengthening local capacity for vaccine and biologics production and positioning Kenya as a regional manufacturing hub.”

Regional manufacturing hub

According to Duale, the initiative is expected to play a critical role in building local expertise in vaccine and biologics production while positioning Kenya as a regional manufacturing hub.

The Health CS said the two also explored opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation in pharmaceutical research and manufacturing, digital health solutions, renewable energy for health facilities and sustainable medical waste management.

Kenya has in recent years intensified efforts to strengthen local pharmaceutical production and reduce reliance on imported vaccines and essential medical products. The establishment of the Kenya BioVax Institute forms part of the government’s broader strategy to build domestic manufacturing capacity, improve health security and enhance preparedness for future public health emergencies.

Belgium has been among Kenya’s key development partners in the health sector, supporting programmes aimed at strengthening healthcare systems, expanding access to quality medical services and promoting innovation in health research and manufacturing.

Duale thanked Ambassador Maddens for his service during his tour of duty, describing his tenure as instrumental in deepening Kenya–Belgium relations.

“I thanked Ambassador Maddens for his exemplary service and commitment to strengthening Kenya–Belgium relations and wished him success in his future assignments,” the Cabinet Secretary said.

The meeting was also attended by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni.