Merck Foundation CEO and Kenya’s First Lady, H.E. Mrs. Rachel Ruto have expanded their collaboration to build healthcare capacity in Kenya.
The summit, launched by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, brought together First Ladies from Africa and Asia to assess healthcare progress and set new strategies for development, empowerment, and social transformation.
Senator Dr. Kelej noted that Merck Foundation has awarded 244 scholarships to Kenyan doctors in critical specialties such as oncology, fertility and embryology, cardiology, endocrinology, diabetes, reproductive health, and internal medicine. Nearly half of these scholarships have been granted to women, advancing gender equity in Kenya’s health sector.
The First Lady praised the impact of the partnership, highlighting how the scholarships are improving public healthcare delivery and expanding access to specialized care across the country. She also emphasized the importance of education, referencing the Educating Linda Programme, which supports 47 talented but underprivileged girls annually.
Beyond clinical training, Merck Foundation and the Office of the First Lady of Kenya are working together on girl education, media engagement, and public awareness. Initiatives include online health media trainings for journalists, creative awards for media professionals and artists, and the development of seven children’s storybooks on topics such as infertility stigma, girls’ education, gender-based violence, diabetes, and hypertension. These books will soon be available in Kiswahili.
Overall, Merck Foundation has provided more than 2,500 scholarships to healthcare providers from 52 countries, spanning over 44 medical specialties, demonstrating a long-term commitment to building sustainable health systems in Africa and Asia.
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