Opportunities associated with the new government health plan include telemedicine, sharing of medical resources and local manufacture of generic drugs. The Nakuru County government says it aims to develop better health facilities through this strategy.

Manufacturing and Pharmaceutical Markets

The health sector also offers opportunities in manufacturing of medical equipment, such as electro-medical equipment.

The pharmaceutical market, too, is rapidly booming. Kenya is the largest producer of pharmaceuticals in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) market. The region is estimated to have 50 recognized pharmaceutical manufacturers, 30 of which are based in Kenya.

Kenya supplies up to 50 per cent percent of the region’s market, giving the investor a great deal of opportunity. They can also export their products to the other four members of the East African Community – Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi.

The Kenya Industrial Property Bill (2001) allows for importation and production of affordable medicines for HIV/Aids and other diseases. Kenya’s unique geographical features also offer excellent investment opportunities in health tourism. The country has plenty of geothermal mineral water springs located in arid and semi-arid areas within Baringo and Turkana districts in the Rift Valley. Parts of Homa Bay District on the shores of Lake Victoria have springs, too. Spas can be constructed in these areas as recreation facilities and curative centers.

Medical Tourism

Medical tourism in Kenya remains largely unexploited, offering vast potential for investors. Moreover, the health sector suffers from lack of medical equipment and skills in operation and maintenance. Providers of specialized diagnostic services including DNA tests, MRI, nuclear and radiology services are also in great demand.

The Kenya Investment Authority is responsible for assisting investors to obtain the necessary licenses and permits, incentives and exemptions under various laws and regulations.

Regulatory bodies in health include the Ministry of Health, the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board, the Central Board of Health, and the Clinical Officers Council. Others are the Nursing Council of Kenya, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and the Ministry of Local Government.

Health investors have neither foreign exchange controls nor capital repatriation restrictions. Remittance of dividends and interests are guaranteed to foreign investors.