Kisumu County is poised to benefit from job creation and access to sickle cell medication after Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o secured a deal with US-based YUNIGEN Pharmaceuticals.
Nyong’o took to his X account to announce that Kisumu County had signed a Concession Agreement with the California-based pharmaceutical firm YUNIGEN, marking a new chapter in the fight against sickle cell disease and the growth of local drug manufacturing.
The agreement, championed by the county boss and Health CECM Dr Gregory Ganda, follows weeks of high-level engagement that began with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in California.
The deal is expected to bring affordable treatment, advanced diagnostics, and job-creating pharmaceutical infrastructure to the county.
"Tonight marks a major milestone in our journey to improve healthcare in Kisumu. We’ve formalised a transformative partnership between Kisumu County and YUNIGEN Pharmaceuticals to tackle sickle cell disease head-on for our region," the statement by the governor read in part.
According to Nyong’o, the disease affects two in every 100 people in the county, with children bearing the biggest burden, underscoring the importance of the deal.
One of the most important pillars of the agreement is the introduction of newborn screening for sickle cell disease in public hospitals, enabling early diagnosis and intervention.
The deal also includes the deployment of digital health technologies to improve patient tracking, treatment, and data-driven decision-making.
Furthermore, the partnership will make hydroxyurea, a life-saving drug for sickle cell patients, more affordable and widely available. This could be a great saver for families who currently struggle with the high cost of treatment and the drug's scarcity.
Beyond sickle cell treatment, the agreement also opens up job opportunities for youth in the county, with discussions around setting up a local packaging plant taking centre stage.
"YUNIGEN will also establish a local packaging plant, creating jobs, transferring skills, and laying the foundation for a future pharmaceutical manufacturing zone," Nyong’o revealed.
The US-based firm, with the help of the county, will identify and purchase land to be registered as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), unlocking broader economic and industrial opportunities for residents within and beyond the county.
