Kenya has officially joined the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) as a Member State, marking a significant step towards the country’s goal of achieving self-reliance in vaccine production, President William Ruto announced.
In a statement, President Ruto said the IVI had committed to establish a Country and Project Office in Nairobi, which will be the regional headquarters.
His announcement came after an accession ceremony of Kenya at IVI headquarters in Seoul, South Korea attended by the President and IVI Director-General Jerome Kim.
According to the Head of State, membership in the vaccine institute will strengthen Kenya’s resolve to achieve self-reliance in vaccine production and consequently enhance the delivery of primary healthcare and disease prevention.
“Increased vaccine availability will enhance the delivery of our primary healthcare and disease prevention,” President Ruto stated.
This move is expected to bolster Kenya’s capacity to produce and distribute vaccines, improving health outcomes across the region.
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Ruto Attends Korea-Africa Summit
The accession was among the engagements President Ruto has made in his South Korea trip where he attended the inuagral Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul.
The summit focused on areas of mutual interest, including trade promotion, industrialization, infrastructure development, and job creation.
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This visit is part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and explore economic ties between the two countries.
The President was accompanied by the First Lady Rachel Ruto among other dignitaries.
At least 48 African leaders, include Rwanda president Paul Kagame and Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu from East Africa countries were in attendance of the Summit.
Ksh31.6 billion Loan from South Korea
The government of Kenya also secured a $238 million (Ksh31.6 billion) loan from South Korea based bank.
Kenya’s Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abraham Korir Sing’Oei signed the agreements with Korea Exim Bank Executive Director Hwang Kiyeon on behalf of President William Ruto.
![President Willima Ruto and First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto arrive in South Korea on June 3,2024. Photo\Courtesy](https://thekenyatimes.com/storage/2024/06/Untitled-design-43.png)
Also Read: Ruto Seals Ksh31 Billion Deal in South Korea
“On the sidelines of the Korea-Africa summit, the government of Kenya and Korea Exim Bank, represented by Executive Director and Board Member Hwang Kiyeon, signed two funding agreements amounting to US$ 238M.Honoured to represent the government at the signing ceremony,” Korir said.
The PS explained that the money is meant for the financing of Konza Digital Media City project.
The project will be financed through the Korea Exim bank under a cooperation model framework that finances infrastructure and urban development related projects.
This financing is part of the Kenya and South Korea partnership under the Economic Innovation Partnership Program (EIPP).
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![President William Ruto with other leaders at Kenya IVI Accession Ceremony in Seoul, South Korea. Photo\Courtesy](https://thekenyatimes.com/storage/2024/06/Untitled-design-44.png)
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