Kenya has taken a major step in strengthening respiratory care with the launch of a new Bronchoscopy Training Programme at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
The Ministry of Health, in a statement on Tuesday, November 25, said that the launch was led by the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr Ouma Oluga, and attended by the Acting CEO of Kenyatta National Hospital, Dr Richard Lesiyampe, Ambassador of Japan, Hiroshi Matsuura, and Prof. Keitaro Matsumoto from Nagasaki University.
The three-day specialist training, delivered in partnership with the University of Nagasaki and the Ministry of Health, introduces modern bronchoscopy technology to improve early detection and precise management of lung diseases.
Bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose problems with a patient’s lungs or airways. Healthcare providers use a bronchoscope to look into a patient’s windpipe and lungs. They can also insert small tools through the bronchoscope to obtain tissue samples for testing.
Kenya launches advanced Bronchoscopy training at KNH
Speaking during the launch, Dr Oluga noted that the programme comes at a crucial time, as conditions such as Tuberculosis (TB), pneumonia, asthma, and lung cancer continue to affect thousands of Kenyans annually. He emphasised that strengthening diagnostic capacity is essential for improving patient outcomes.
“This initiative prioritises hands-on training and mentorship for doctors, nurses, and technologists,” Dr Oluga said. “It aligns with our commitment to developing a skilled and well-distributed health workforce as part of Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda.”
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According to the ministry, KNH is positioning itself as a regional centre of excellence in advanced pulmonary care by hosting the programme, with plans to expand specialist training and support local research in respiratory health.
Dr Oluga expressed gratitude to the partners for their support and encouraged trainees to fully utilise the opportunity, noting that the skills gained will directly improve patient care and contribute to a healthier, more resilient Kenya.
Meanwhile, the PS on Tuesday also met with a delegation from the KEMRI–Wellcome Trust at Afya House, where they held comprehensive discussions on strengthening partnerships to advance Kenya’s health research agenda.
He underscored the ministry’s commitment to building collaborative, sustainable, and impactful research ecosystems that drive innovation, boost national research capacity, and directly improve health outcomes for Kenyans. The engagement reviewed ongoing initiatives and explored new avenues for joint action in priority health areas.
Special Convention on Diagnostics
Kenya is also hosting the second Africa Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) Special Convention on Diagnostics this week in Nairobi, bringing together scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, civil society, and development partners under the theme: “Strengthening Diagnostics, AMR Surveillance and Innovative Financing for Impact.”
Held shortly after World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) week, the convention highlights the urgent need to bolster Africa’s diagnostic capacity to combat AMR, enhance early outbreak detection, and build resilient health systems.
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Director for Public Health, Dr Stephen Muleshe, representing the Principal Secretary, State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to placing diagnostics at the centre of primary health care, Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and national health security.
He noted Kenya’s progress over the past decade through expanded laboratory networks, strengthened genomic and AMR surveillance, integration of diagnostics into primary health care, and increased domestic investment in health emergency preparedness.
The convention is also spotlighting innovations in diagnostic technologies, integrated surveillance models, and sustainable financing, including efforts to mobilise resources to accelerate AMR progress across the continent.
Dr Muleshe commended ASLM for its leadership and expressed Kenya’s support for institutionalising the convention as a permanent platform for policy alignment, innovation sharing, and strengthening Africa’s diagnostic ecosystem.
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