The Association of Medical Engineering of Kenya (AMEK) has taken another major step towards strengthening healthcare technology and biomedical engineering in Kenya through a strategic engagement with the Australian High Commission.
The meeting, held at the invitation of H.E. Jenny Da Rin, the outgoing Australian High Commissioner to Kenya, brought together AMEK leadership and representatives from the Australian Government to explore long-term collaboration in biomedical engineering, innovation, research, and professional development.
The discussions were chaired by Ms. Jemima Schilling, Australian Trade Commissioner for Africa, alongside Ms. Sheila Boit from the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade).
AMEK Delegation
The AMEK delegation was led by:
- Hon. Symon Mbakah – Chairman
- Hon. Hesbon Obaigwa – Secretary General
- Ann Gaithaiya – Women Representative
- Eng. Shukri Sugow – Council Member & Magazine Editor
- Lucas Mesighana – Youth Representative
- Francis Achocho – Technical Advisor
Their participation reaffirmed AMEK’s commitment to building strong international partnerships that enhance healthcare technology and biomedical engineering in Kenya.
Proposed Areas of Collaboration
The discussions focused on establishing an Australia–AMEK Strategic Partnership aimed at transforming biomedical engineering through capacity building, innovation, research, and institutional collaboration.
The proposed initiatives include:
Capacity Building and Regional Excellence
- Training 50 Master Trainers in biomedical engineering.
- Establishing a Regional Centre of Excellence in Nairobi to serve Kenya and the wider East African region.
Youth Development and Innovation
- Supporting mentorship programmes for young biomedical engineers.
- Promoting leadership development and entrepreneurship.
- Encouraging innovation in healthcare technology.
Healthcare Technology Innovation Hub
The partnership seeks to establish a Healthcare Technology Innovation and Incubation Hub to nurture innovative ideas, support startups, and accelerate the development of locally driven healthcare technology solutions.
Modernisation of Biomedical Engineering Workshops
Plans were discussed to modernise 10 regional biomedical engineering laboratories and workshops, improving training environments and strengthening technical capacity across the country.
International Academic and Professional Partnerships
The collaboration aims to promote partnerships between AMEK and Australian:
- Universities
- Teaching hospitals
- Professional associations
- Healthcare technology industries
These partnerships will support:
- Professional training
- Fellowships
- Research collaboration
- Technology transfer
- Skills development
Global Career Opportunities
The proposed partnership also seeks to create opportunities for Kenyan biomedical engineers through:
- International internships
- Fellowship programmes
- Collaborative research projects
- Professional exchange programmes
- Career mobility initiatives
In addition, AMEK members would contribute their expertise in supporting healthcare technology management initiatives in Somalia.
Women in Biomedical Engineering
The initiative places special emphasis on empowering women in biomedical engineering through participation in Australian Government Global STEM programmes, providing opportunities for:
- Leadership development
- Professional mentorship
- International networking
- Global exposure
Strengthening Research and Innovation
The partnership also aims to strengthen research collaboration between:
- Australian universities
- Kenyan universities
- Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC)
- AMEK
These collaborations will enhance healthcare technology research, innovation, and workforce development.
Advancing Healthcare Technology in Kenya
This proposed partnership has the potential to significantly strengthen Kenya’s healthcare technology ecosystem by expanding professional development opportunities, promoting innovation, supporting research, and enhancing biomedical engineering capacity.
As AMEK continues to build relationships with international partners, the Association remains committed to positioning Kenya as a regional leader in biomedical engineering while improving healthcare technology services for communities across the country.
AMEK will continue to update members as discussions progress and partnership initiatives are implemented.