By Ashley Kariuki
Kenya has reaffirmed its growing leadership in regional public health efforts following the endorsement of the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI) as the chair of the Technical Advisory Committee of the Eastern Africa Regional Coordinating Centre (EA-RCC).
The milestone appointment was made during the 7th Regional Technical Advisory Committee (RETAC) meeting held in Djibouti.
Dr. Kamene Kimenye, the Acting Director General of KNPHI, will lead the committee in its efforts to strengthen health systems across the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) member states.
This endorsement marks a significant recognition of Kenya’s sustained investments in national and regional health security and innovation.
The EA-RCC, headquartered in Nairobi, is a key organ under the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) that coordinates regional collaboration in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, and response.
With KNPHI at the helm, the Centre is expected to enhance cross-border data sharing, build stronger early warning systems, and drive timely interventions in the event of outbreaks and public health emergencies.
Africa CDC has lauded Kenya for its commitment to improving health outcomes not just domestically but across Eastern Africa.
“Kenya’s leadership is setting the pace in public health resilience,” noted a representative from the Africa CDC, underscoring the importance of collaboration in responding to emerging threats like pandemics, climate-related health impacts, and non-communicable diseases.
This appointment comes at a time when regional coordination is more critical than ever. As global health threats become more complex, the EA-RCC under Kenya’s leadership will serve as a cornerstone for proactive and unified responses.
The move is expected to significantly bolster IGAD’s ability to respond swiftly to crises and reinforce regional stability through robust health systems.
Kenya’s new role is not only a win for the country’s health diplomacy but also a strategic step toward becoming a regional hub for health security and innovation.