Kilifi County is set to benefit from a renewed development partnership with the Government of Slovakia in health, education, infrastructure, natural resource management, and the business environment.
Speaking at the Malindi County Assembly, Slovakian Ambassador to Kenya Maroš Mitrík reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting innovation and sustainable development in the county.
“Innovation shall be supported in key sectors – education, health, infrastructure, use of natural resources, and support for the business environment,” he told journalists after paying a courtesy call on County Assembly Speaker Catherine Kenga.
Amb. Mitrík noted that Slovakia has maintained a strong development partnership with Kenya for over 30 years, with Kenya ranking among the top three priority countries in Slovakia’s new cooperation strategy.
He emphasized that Slovakia’s support goes beyond funding. “It’s about helping people gain skills and strengthening systems, and Slovakia has found a reliable partner in Kilifi County,” he said.
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, who accompanied the envoy in the visit, welcomed the strengthened cooperation, citing successful joint initiatives such as the construction of the Mazingira Park and an ongoing telemedicine programme powered by artificial intelligence.
“We already have an AI-driven telemedicine system running, and we’re working closely with Slovakia on the upcoming Kilifi Innovation and Renovation Hubs,” he said.
The Innovation Hub aims to equip youth with digital skills, with computers already distributed and training underway, he said, adding that the hubs would focus on building digital capacity among professionals and fostering local innovation.
Governor Mung’aro said Slovakia was supporting his administration in sectors such as agriculture, water, and health infrastructure.
“Slovakia has shown real commitment, and together, we are building capacity for medical professionals in Kilifi,” he said.
On healthcare delivery, the governor assured residents that 93 percent of essential medical supplies have been delivered, with the remaining 7 percent expected from the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) this week.
He clarified that chronic illness medications are available at higher-level facilities and urged residents to avoid misinformation.
“I have realized that those who complain that there are no medicines are those seeking drugs for high blood pressure and diabetes in dispensaries and health centres. These drugs can only be dispensed at hospitals of higher caliber,” he explained.
The County Chief also said the Social Health Authority (SHA) was operating smoothly in the county’s health facilities but lamented about delayed disbursements to the facilities.
“SHA is working to the extent that patients receive services and are discharged, but that does not mean that the facilities have received the funds,” he said.
By Shani Rhai and Lynnet Muthoni
