Denmark backs proposed Ksh129M sickle cell project in Kenya

Kenya is considering a two-year, Ksh129 million sickle cell disease demonstration project to improve diagnosis, treatment and referral services in three counties.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the proposed initiative was discussed during a bilateral meeting with Denmark’s Ambassador to Kenya, Stephan Schønemann, and a Novo Nordisk delegation led by Managing Director for Middle Africa, Jacob Mollerup, on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

The proposed project, valued at $1 million (Ksh129 million), will focus on strengthening early diagnosis, referral and continuity of care for people living with sickle cell disease.

“With sickle cell disease placing a significant burden across 17 counties, I welcomed the proposed two-year, USD 1 million initiative in three counties,” Duale said in a statement posted on X.

The project will also strengthen the capacity of frontline health workers, improve health data systems and enhance coordination between national and county health authorities.

Duale said the Government wants the programme to remain Government-led and owned by the counties where it will be implemented.

“To ensure a Government-led and county-owned programme, I proposed an MoU defining the scope, financing, institutional roles, data governance, safeguards, deliverables and sustainability,” he said.

The proposed memorandum of understanding will set out the roles of the parties involved, financing arrangements, data management requirements and the expected results of the project.

The three counties have not yet been identified. Duale said the Government would select them based on disease burden, gaps in health services, readiness, geographical equity and commitment to the programme.

The project will use primary healthcare networks and national health information systems to support implementation.

Kenya targets sickle cell gaps

Kenya has identified 17 counties as having a high burden of sickle cell disease, with Western, Nyanza and coastal regions among the areas most affected. The Ministry of Health estimates that about 14,000 children are born with sickle cell disease annually in Kenya, particularly in the 17 high-burden counties.

The proposed programme comes as Kenya continues efforts to improve sickle cell disease care through newborn screening, early diagnosis, treatment and referral services.

The Novo Nordisk Foundation has previously supported blood disorder programmes in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. Its 2023–2025 programme aimed to improve access to diagnosis and care for people with sickle cell disease and other blood disorders, including by strengthening healthcare facilities and data systems.

Duale said the new project would build on existing progress while addressing gaps in screening, diagnostics, essential medicines, referral systems and patient care.

“Technical co-design will proceed through the national working group, with meaningful participation from counties, people living with sickle cell disease and caregivers,” he said.