Kenya and Pfizer are exploring an expanded health and investment partnership following a review of their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The renewed agreement aims to enhance access to medicines and vaccines while fostering broader collaboration.

• The partnership will support not-for-profit access to Pfizer medicines and vaccines, alongside supply-chain strengthening and workforce development.
• Key figures involved include Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga and Pfizer Biopharmaceuticals Group Vice President Ali Besri.
• Discussions also focused on evolving the collaboration to include clinical trials, technology transfer, local manufacturing, and establishing Kenya as an East African logistics hub, aligning with national manufacturing strategies.

A nationwide strike by healthcare workers in Kenya has left patients stranded, with no end in sight as negotiations between unions and the Council of Governors (CoG) continue.

• The strike involves multiple cadres, including nurses, clinical officers, public health officers, pharmaceutical technologists, and laboratory technicians.
• The CoG insists some agreements have been made and are being processed, while unions demand full implementation before returning to work.
• The ongoing dispute has led to disruptions in essential services like immunization clinics and diagnostic laboratories, with residents expressing concern over a potential public health crisis.

The Social Health Authority (SHA) has begun verifying pending claims totaling Ksh10 million and above from Level 5 and Level 6 healthcare providers formerly with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

• Verification of pending claims worth Ksh10 million and above.
• The Social Health Authority (SHA), led by CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi.
• Healthcare providers need to organize invoices, service records, and other supporting documents for the transparent verification process.