A key area of discussion was the need to improve logistics and transport systems between Kenya and South Sudan. Both parties acknowledged that high shipping and cross-border transport costs hinder trade efficiency. It was agreed that collaborative measures should be taken to reduce these costs and enhance the ease of doing business across borders.

The healthcare sector was highlighted as a priority, with South Sudan expressing an urgent need for access to affordable, quality medical supplies. Dr. Rutto emphasized that Kenya’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity could be a strategic source of medical products for South Sudan. Both sides welcomed the idea of boosting pharmaceutical trade and exploring potential partnerships in health-related investments.

To build stronger business linkages, a joint forum will be organized, bringing together 275 businesses from both countries. The forum will serve as a platform for networking, trade sensitization, and investment promotion. It will also address the trade imbalance that currently favors Kenya, particularly in sectors such as construction, where Kenya exports significant volumes of products and services to South Sudan.

Discussions also centered on the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework to promote wholesale trade in goods and services. Emphasis was placed on harmonizing trade policies, removing trade barriers, and achieving economies of scale to boost regional competitiveness. Both parties agreed on the importance of aligning national strategies with AfCFTA goals to create a more stable and predictable trading environment.

Dr. Rutto underscored South Sudan’s immense potential in tourism, agriculture, and wholesale trade, urging Kenyan investors to take advantage of the untapped opportunities. He also stressed the importance of ensuring the security of investments, facilitating free movement of labor, and harmonizing product standards between the two countries.

Amb. Anthony louis Kon echoed the need for a more structured trade framework. He called for the urgent implementation of pending trade agreements, the creation of awareness among business communities, and the establishment of a South Sudan Chamber of Commerce office in Kenya. He further proposed the development of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on trade cooperation, which is currently under discussion between the two sides.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen trade relations, foster private sector engagement, and promote regional integration through practical and actionable steps. Both delegations expressed optimism about the future of Kenya–South Sudan trade and investment ties, built on shared vision, cooperation, and strategic alignment.

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Only 20% of medicines consumed in Kenya are produced locally—creating a massive investment opportunity in the pharmaceutical sector,

Dr. Karanja was speaking during a high-level panel on “Africa Healthcare Megatrends” at the Equinox Outsourced Service China-Africa Business Forum, where he represented KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto.

He noted that while Kenya has the necessary raw materials and ingredients to manufacture medicinal drugs, the country still lacks the requisite technology and infrastructure. “What we need is investment in technology, not ingredients,” Dr. Karanja emphasized.

He encouraged international pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare investors—particularly those from China—to take advantage of Kenya’s investment-ready platforms, such as Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Processing Zones (EPZs). These zones offer a streamlined, cost-effective environment for setting up manufacturing operations, with favorable tax regimes, logistics support, and policy incentives.

“Kenya’s Special Economic Zones are purpose-built to help investors set up quickly, economically, and with ease of doing business at the center,” Dr. Karanja stated.

The panel discussion touched on the broader trends in Africa’s healthcare landscape, with panelists agreeing that Africa must move from being primarily an importer of medicines to becoming a continental producer—starting with countries like Kenya that already have the human capital and growing demand.

Dr. Karanja reaffirmed KNCCI’s commitment to facilitating partnerships between Kenyan enterprises and international investors to help scale up pharmaceutical production, enhance healthcare access, and reduce import dependency.

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The partnership will seek to;

• Support National Insurance intake in the Country
• Collaborate in advocacy issues in terms of cost of medication
• Develop a Pharmaceutical Industrial programs and Medical Tourism
• Introduce the innovative products that will target SMEs in the insurance sector to promote business survival.
• Form a Joint Business Venture with Chamber to support insurance sector to manage enterprise sector.

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1) THE HEALTH (AMENDMENT) BILL 2019

Referral is an integral part of daily patient management.  The private health sector should be involved in the referral of patients to ensure timely care is accorded to the patients.

2) CANCER PREVENTION AND CONTROL BILL

Any legislation towards improvement of health, moreover among oncology patients is a long overdue concern.  The oncology field has one of the fewest doctors to patient ratios and the training of oncology specialists is welcome. The private health sector is a key stakeholder in fighting cancer and the government should incorporate it in the training of specialists.

KNCCI health Committee tabled their submission as follows:

1. The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council to clearly state what procedures and treatment modalities are specialist ones.
2. The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council to register centers that perform specialist procedures and establish transparent criteria for such registration.
3. These registered centers to keep a registry of referrals received, procedures performed and outcomes for appraisal.
4. No referrals outside the country unless by a registered center and only through the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council final approval.
5. The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council to pre-qualify foreign facilities receiving referrals from Kenya establish Criteria for appraisal.
6. The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council to limit any foreign medical camp/ excursions especially those that aim to fish for referral patients.
7. Establish a very strict code of conduct and standard for centers receiving referrals and their professional personnel.

The post KNCCI TABLES SUBMISSION AT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY HEALTH SECTOR COMMITTEE ON AMENDMENTS OF HEALTH AMENDMENT BILL 2019 AND CANCER PREVENTION AND CONTROL BILL appeared first on KNCCI.

Through this proposed partnership, KNCCI members, entrepreneurs and SMEs will have an opportunity to undergo a two weeks training on how to manage limited resources to turn a profit and grow a business among other topics.

A proper mapping on what sectoral areas to cover will be done by the officials from Tampere University of Applied Sciences while KNCCI will focus on mapping out the entrepreneurs and SMEs suitable for this training.

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