Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to Set up a Regional Office in Nairobi

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will set up a regional office in Nairobi in an effort to expand and enhance its work in healthcare, agriculture and ICT in Kenya.

The announcement was made by the foundation’s co-chair Bill Gates following his meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday.

Ruto lauded the foundation for its work and impact in Kenya.

"We appreciate the Gates Foundation's support for crucial initiatives in Kenya's health, agriculture and ICT sectors. We look forward to more collaboration on food security and universal health coverage," said Ruto.

President Ruto also reiterated his administration’s commitment to allocating more resources to community health workers to enhance primary healthcare.

On his part, Gates commended Ruto for establishing the Hustlers Fund, saying it will financially empower ordinary Kenyans to generate an income and create wealth.

“We look forward to seeing its success,” he said.

In Kenya, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation supports tools and technologies in agriculture, health, immunization, nutrition, sanitation, financial services, gender equality and more.

The foundation’s partners in Kenya include Maisha Meds, which uses technology to improve patient access to quality and affordable care, Kidogo, which offers childcare for Nairobi’s low-income families, and KALRO, which helps farmers with climate adaptation.