Ruto Woos Harvard, John Hopkins To Partnership With Kenyan Universities
Ruto urged institutions such as the Philadelphia-based Perelman Centre of Advanced Medicine, Johns Hopkins, Harvard, Columbia, Duke, and Emory universities to partner with local universities.
Prudence Murithi 
President William Ruto has extended an invitation to leading U.S. health training institutions to establish exchange programs for Kenyan students to enhance research in the health sector.
During his address at the U.S. Centre for Disease Control (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday, Ruto urged institutions such as the Philadelphia-based Perelman Centre of Advanced Medicine, Johns Hopkins, Harvard, Columbia, Duke, and Emory universities to partner with local universities.
“Through such collaboration, we aim to expand learning horizons and deepen insights into emerging threats, including zoonotic diseases,” Ruto said.
President Ruto speaking at The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum on May 20, 2024. /PCS
On his four-day State visit to the U.S., Ruto lauded the American government as Kenya’s greatest ally in the health sector. He praised the partnership between the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and U.S. institutions.
“The partnership between CDC, the National Institute of Health, and KEMRI, spanning seven research programs has led to significant scientific discoveries, notably the malaria vaccine, enhancing healthcare outcomes,” said Ruto.
The President called for increased grants to KEMRI to help establish strong intellectual property and scientific entrepreneurship frameworks to support Kenya's product development.
“I therefore encourage you to enhance support for better coordination, aligning efforts to improve our health system. This includes prioritizing and investing in the implementation of the Kenya Health Sector Partnership and Coordination Framework (2018-2030),” Ruto told the audience.
Ruto also commended the U.S. government’s President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) initiative for bolstering Kenya’s efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and achieve global health success.
“Together, we've turned a once fatal disease into a manageable condition, achieving significant success in global health. Through collaboration with the US, Kenya is transitioning HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis programs into primary health care initiatives, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 3,” said Ruto.
Since 2003, the U.S. government has invested at least $8 billion in Kenya, according to the U.S. Embassy. This funding supports more than half of Kenya’s HIV/AIDS care funds, benefiting over 1.6 million people living with HIV in the country.
Ruto’s visit to the U.S. is the first by an African leader in 15 years, aiming to strengthen ties with the U.S. and attract investment.
On Monday, he invited American investors and manufacturers to explore opportunities in Kenya, noting the growing interest from Asian and Middle Eastern companies in Africa.
On Tuesday, Ruto is scheduled to visit Spelman College in Atlanta to highlight the importance of higher education, particularly in science and technology, for attracting investments.
A State House communiqué indicates that he will also visit Tyler Perry Studios to explore opportunities within the creative economy, followed by a visit to the Coca-Cola company to forge new investments.
Additionally, he will launch Kenyan fashion label Vivo's inaugural store in Atlanta and, along with First Lady Rachel Ruto, attend a dinner hosted by the state's mayor, Andre Dickens.
