Kenya – Netherlands | Life Sciences and Health Combination Track Kenya

The Life Sciences and Health Combination Track Kenya brings together organizations and companies in the Kenyan and Dutch LSH sectors with the goal of advance Universal Health Coverage by enhancing access, quality, financing, and responsiveness within the healthcare system. With a focus on Life Sciences and Health, the Dutch Embassy in Nairobi (EKN) and the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO) have prioritized collaborative efforts between the Netherlands and Kenya. Task Force Health Care (TFHC) takes care of the secretariat of the Programme Management Unit (PMU) of the Combi Track Healthcare Kenya. If you are interested in joining the combi track, we encourage you to register here.

Kenyan Healthcare System

n the BHOS policy nota “Doen waar Nederland goed in is”, Kenya has been identified as a key partner for both development cooperation and foreign trade. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has underscored the importance of global health strengthening through its first Dutch Global Health Strategy, emphasizing public-private partnerships and innovative solutions. As part of this strategy, the Global Health Hub was launched in September 2023, with TFHC as a partner. 

Efforts to bolster the Kenyan healthcare system must be demand-driven while leveraging the Netherlands’ expertise. Despite improvements in population health indicators, challenges persist, including unequal access to healthcare and a significant lack of funding and human resources. The Kenyan government has initiated various healthcare reforms, including Universal Health Coverage programs and the Big 4 Agenda, aligning with the Kenya Vision 2030. Collaboration with Kisumu County, driven by longstanding ties with the Netherlands, aims to innovate the healthcare system and establish the county as a medical hub for the Great Lakes Region, focusing on integrated healthcare delivery and data-driven decision-making.

What is a combi track at RVO?

A combitrack is doing business with impact in emerging markets. A combitrack involves a combined multi-year sector approach. Different activities are combined with the same goal. Government, businesses, knowledge institutes and civil society organisations – in the Netherlands and in emerging markets – join forces to cash in on (business) opportunities together. Together, they offer solutions for local challenges in greening and digitalisation. For more information visit the website of RVO. 

What concrete opportunities do the combi tracks offer entrepreneurs?

The combitracks approach opens up more international opportunities for entrepreneurs. Think of things like:

  • Multi-year support in cashing in on opportunities in 14 emerging markets.
  • Making it easier to do business in a country and removing trade barriers.
  • Assistance in deploying various instruments from RVO, Invest International and Atradius.
  • Working on tailor-made solutions.
  • Expanding the business network.

The investments also contribute to social and economic progress in the combitrack countries. A win-win situation, in other words. For more information visit the website of RVO.

What is the Combi Track Kenya?

The Combi track, a collaborative initiative between the Netherlands and Kenya, aims to advance Universal Health Coverage by enhancing access, quality, financing, and responsiveness within the healthcare system. Focused primarily on Kisumu County, Homa Bay County, and potentially the Lake Region Economic Bloc, the initiative leverages local healthcare relationships and political incentives to engage Dutch private sector expertise for system strengthening. With a keen emphasis on improving primary healthcare, the initiative targets enhancements in digital health infrastructure, health data connectivity, referral systems, and public health management.  

What is the structure of the Combi Track?

The combi track is formed by a group of stakeholders active, or wishing to be active, in Kenya. The combi track consists of a broad group of representatives from both the Netherlands and Kenya from the private sector, NGOs, knowledge institutes, and the Netherlands’ government. The combi track activities are in principle open to all relevant organizations. From the combi track representatives, a small Steering committee (a body of knowledge) will be appointed. Furthermore, TFHC and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the Dutch Embassy in Nairobi form the Project Management Group (PMU). 

The combi track is open for organizations regardless of TFHC partnership. There is no membership fee applicable to participants in the combi track. All organizations must have an active Dutch Chamber of Commerce number (KVK) and have an active office in the Netherlands. Meetings will be attended by invitation. A Code of Conduct will apply to all activities as part of the combi track Kenya. 

Activities in 2024

  • Visit from NL to Kenya | July, KE 

The director Micha van Lin and project manager Helena Pluimes visited both Nairobi and Kisumu last year. The conversations during the intense week underlined the warm relationships between Kenya and The Netherlands. The combi track framework we co-created was well received as a clear guidance on linking Kenyan and Dutch developments, learnings and solutions for the years to come. Interested in the results of this visit? Then read our story: LSH Combi track Kenya visit – Recap – TFHC! 

  • Visit to Kenya from NL: Lake Region Digital Health Conference | October, KE 

In October 2024, a delegation with a total of 16 organisations, companies, NGOs and knowledge institutes visited Nairobi and Kisumu for a high-impact visit. This innovation will enhance Universal Health Coverage in terms of access, quality, financing and responsiveness of the Kenyan healthcare system. The program included individual matchmaking sessions, multiple field visits to organizations such as population services international, AAR Hospital and St. Jairus Hospital. Participants celebrated the opening of the new SkillsLab at Skills Meducation and enjoyed a networking reception at the Ambassador’s residence. In addition, the delegation participated in the Lake Region Digital Health Conference, held in Kisumu and organized by PharmAccess, where stimulating discussions and talks were held. Interested in the results of this visit? Then read our story: LSH Combi Track: Boosting Health Innovation in Kenya (Nairobi and Kisumu) – TFHC! 

  • Business Intelligence: Unlocking financing opportunities in the Kenyan Healthcare Market 

Part of the Combi Track Kenya initiative, led by the Netherlands Embassy in Nairobi and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), this report is designed to enhance healthcare access, quality, financing, and infrastructure in Kenya by leveraging Dutch expertise in strategic financing and partnership efforts. The “Kenya Healthcare Financing” report delves into the funding landscape essential for supporting Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kenya. This comprehensive document aims to assist Dutch healthcare organizations by mapping available international financing instruments, providing insights into funding opportunities, and showcasing relevant case studies within the Kenyan context. Interested in the report? Then read our story: Unlocking financing opportunities in the Kenyan Healthcare Market – TFHC! 

Activities and relevant information 2025 

  • Visit from Kenya to NL | September, NL 

The incoming visit from Kenya to the Netherlands is aimed at enhancing the knowledge and technical expertise of key stakeholders in Kenya. The theme focuses on strengthening the Biomedical technology, with subthemes including capacity building, sustainable maintenance systems, innovative equipment access, regulatory frameworks, and public-private partnerships (PPPs). Activities will highlight Dutch expertise in training and integrating biomedical engineers, sustainable maintenance technologies, regulatory best practices, and fostering innovation through PPPs and entrepreneurship. Participants will engage in knowledge sharing, facility visits, and discussions to explore collaborations tailored to Kenya’s healthcare needs. The mission will also feature a networking event with Dutch organizations and potential collaboration with learning partners, alongside healthcare institutions showcasing practical examples. Interested in showcasing your product or services related to Biomedical technology? Then contact us! More information will be shared soon.  

  • Visit Kenya – exhibition or conference visit  

Join us at this visit to Nairobi for an exhibition or conference, as we forge deeper ties between Kenya and The Netherlands. Our objective is to enhance local initiatives by infusing them with expertise and international exposure. We will share more information on the outgoing visit soon.  

  • Business intelligence report 

The second year of Combi track has a focus on Biomedical technology. The business intelligence report will emphasize the importance of strengthening Kenya’s biomedical engineering workforce to address healthcare challenges, focusing on capacity building, maintenance systems, innovation, and regulation. It highlights existing Kenyan initiatives, such as training programs by KMTC, partnerships with Amref Health Africa, and efforts by KEMSA to improve equipment maintenance. The report explores opportunities for Dutch stakeholders to collaborate with local partners, support low-cost medical device innovation, enhance regulatory frameworks, and engage in public-private partnerships. By aligning with Kenya’s priorities and leveraging local expertise, these collaborations aim to develop a sustainable talent pipeline, improve access to medical devices, and build a resilient healthcare system. More information will be shared soon.  

How to join the Combi Track?

If you are interested in joining the combi track, we encourage you to register here. Registration for the platform remains open continuously. Your acceptance is subject to a selection process by the PMU.