By Billy Mijungu
Worry and anxiety have struck many Kenyans like a thunderbolt following reports of the establishment of an American-sponsored Centre for Disease Control (CDC) unit in Kenya. However, if I were the President, I would welcome it without hesitation because the country stands to benefit greatly from such a partnership.
Kenya already has one of the best medical systems in Africa, second only to South Africa in many respects. The introduction of a CDC facility would therefore not weaken us, but instead elevate our healthcare system to another level. At times, we must rise above politics and suspicion and think patriotically about the future of our nation and region.
Public health threats are becoming more dangerous and unpredictable across the world. Diseases spread quickly due to global travel and trade, and no country can fight such threats alone. A modern CDC presence in Kenya would strengthen disease surveillance, improve laboratory capacity, train local experts, and sharpen our epidemiology response. This is an opportunity for Kenya to become a regional leader in public health research and emergency response.
We can learn from our neighbours. Uganda handled the COVID-19 pandemic and Ebola outbreaks with notable discipline because they had developed clear protocols and response systems over the years. Kenya must equally invest in preparedness rather than wait for emergencies to expose weaknesses in our systems.
Some critics argue that foreign involvement in our health sector may compromise sovereignty. Those concerns are understandable, especially at a time when many Kenyans have lost trust in political leadership. However, not every international partnership is harmful. The United States has no obligation to support Kenya’s health infrastructure, yet it has chosen to invest resources and expertise here. Kenya should take advantage of that opportunity while ensuring transparency and national interests remain protected.
Furthermore, such projects come with funding, technology transfer, research opportunities, and employment for Kenyan professionals. Our universities, hospitals, scientists, and medical workers will gain from collaboration and exposure to global best practices. Instead of fearing progress, we should negotiate wisely and maximise benefits for our people.
Kenya has always positioned itself as a gateway to East and Central Africa. Hosting a CDC facility would strengthen that position and enable us to assist neighbouring countries during future health crises. In the end, diseases know no borders, and cooperation remains the strongest weapon against them.
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