Slovakia Deepens Development Partnership With Kilifi in Health, Education and Innovation

By Ben Okweingoti 

Kilifi County is set for a major development boost following renewed cooperation with the Government of Slovakia, targeting key sectors including health, education, infrastructure, natural resource management, and the business environment.

Speaking at the Malindi County Assembly during a courtesy call on Speaker Catherine Kenga, Slovakian Ambassador to Kenya Maroš Mitrík reaffirmed his government’s long-term commitment to supporting sustainable development and innovation in the county.

“Innovation shall be supported in key sectors — education, health, infrastructure, use of natural resources, and the business environment,” Ambassador Mitrík said, noting that Kenya remains one of Slovakia’s top three priority countries in its new development cooperation strategy.

He emphasized that Slovakia’s partnership with Kilifi extends beyond financial assistance. “It’s about helping people gain skills and strengthening systems, and Slovakia has found a reliable partner in Kilifi County,” he added.

Governor Gideon Mung’aro, who joined the ambassador during the visit, welcomed the strengthened ties, highlighting successful joint initiatives already underway. These include the construction of Mazingira Park and an AI-driven telemedicine programme currently operational in the county.

“We already have an AI-powered telemedicine system running, and we’re working closely with Slovakia on the upcoming Kilifi Innovation and Renovation Hubs,” the governor said. The hubs aim to equip young people with digital skills, with computer distributions and training sessions already in progress. The facilities will also focus on improving digital capacity among professionals and promoting homegrown innovation.

Governor Mung’aro further noted that Slovakia has been instrumental in supporting agriculture, water projects, and improvements within the county’s 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 per cent of essential medical supplies have already been delivered, with the remaining stock expected from KEMSA within the week. He clarified that chronic illness medications — such as those for diabetes and hypertension — are only dispensed at higher-level facilities, urging residents to avoid spreading misinformation.

“I have realized that those who complain about lack of 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 calibres,” he explained.

Governor Mung’aro also confirmed that the Social Health Authority (SHA) is functioning well in local health facilities, although disbursements to the facilities remain delayed.

“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.

The renewed Slovakia–Kilifi partnership is expected to scale up innovation, strengthen service delivery, and widen development opportunities for residents across the county.