The World Health Organization (WHO) has been given Ksh.741 million (USD 5 million) in government funding as well as 30 acres of land at Kenyatta University to facilitate the creation of the WHOAFRO Regional Emergency Operations and Logistics (OSL) Hub.

In order to promote the project targeted at bridging gaps in responding to public health emergencies, Public Health Principal Secretary (PS) Mary Muthoni met with WHO representatives in Nairobi prior to the announcement.

“PS Mary Muthoni, and Mr. Adama Thiam, Head of Operations & Logistics Management at WHO-AFRO, had a productive meeting with Norwegian officials, led by Ambassador for Global Health at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, John-Arne Rottingen, advancing this critical endeavor,” the Ministry of Health (MoH) said in a statement.

“Ms. Muthoni noted that the hub holds the promise of a brighter future for emergency response, not only in Kenya but also across the region.”

WHO-AFRO has confirmed its position as the world center for public health issues by managing over 142 ongoing emergencies, including disease outbreaks and humanitarian crises, according to MoH.

“Recognizing the significance of resilient health systems, countries must prioritize healthcare quality even in emergencies. Historically, operations, supply chain management, and logistics have been underfunded, despite constituting over 70% of emergency response efforts,” said MoH.

“The establishment of this hub in Kenya promises not only to enhance regional coordination but also to become a center of excellence for emergency operations.”