KISUMU, Kenya – In a historic move set to reshape Kenya’s healthcare landscape, Kisumu County has signed a groundbreaking partnership with Yunigen Pharmaceuticals to package locally and eventually manufacture sickle cell disease (SCD) medications.
This will also position the lakeside city as a continental hub for hematology treatment and research.
During the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony, Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o expressed his satisfaction with the partnership terming it a “twin victory”- combining job creation for the youth with life-saving healthcare.
“This initiative will restore dignity to families burdened by sickle cells for ages,” Nyong’o stated.
“We’re not just signing a document, but we’re making a shared commitment to end preventable suffering.”
Kisumu’s Situation
SCD remains a silent epidemic in the region, with 2 in every 100 Kisumu residents living with the condition, with most of them being children.
Many sickle cell warriors experience chronic pain, frequent hospitalizations, and tragically short lifespans.
Several affected families are bogged down with financial constraints due to the ever-rising medical costs.
“Caregivers, mostly mothers, spend over a month each year in hospitals. This leads to broken livelihoods, and fading hopes. This is totally unacceptable,” Nyong’o emphasized.
Inside the Deal
The partnership will undertake regular Newborn Screenings in public health facilities, and ensure a steady supply of affordable pediatric hydroxyurea.
Strengthen healthcare systems through training & capacity-building,Deploy digital tracking for patient follow-ups via an integrated SCD registry.
The recently reopened Victoria Annex, Governor Nyong’o revealed will be renamed Victoria Sickle Cell and Hematological Centre to serve as a specialized hub offering a Comprehensive SCD Care, Psychosocial and Nutritional Counseling, and Cytapherare services.
Local Manufacturing
Under the agreement, Yunigen will establish a GMP-compliant packaging plant the first step toward a full-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing facility.
On its part, Kisumu County will allocate land, fast-track regulatory approvals, and push for Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status to attract investment
“This is more than just medicine, it’s about jobs creation, advanced technology transfer, and youth empowerment in the global pharmaceutical chain,” Nyong’o remarked.
Global Focus
Backed by global players like Novartis, Perkin Elmer, and the American Society of Hematology (ASH), Kisumu aims to become Africa’s leading SCD screening and treatment hub, complementing its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) milestones.
He called for deepening collaboration between the county government and public-private sector to spur socioeconomic growth and development.
Nyong’o stressed by adding that: “Kisumu is redefining the intersection of health, economy, and innovation.
With plans for a Kisumu Comprehensive Cancer and Haematology Centre underway, the lakeside city is fast emerging as a beacon of medical excellence, from the shores of Lake Victoria to the world.
