The construction of East Africa’s first modern liquid oxygen manufacturing plant has begun at the Tatu Industrial Park in the Tatu City Special Economic Zone.
This follows the groundbreaking ceremony, which was held on Friday, graced by US Ambassador Meg Whitman and her Finland counterpart Pirkka Tapiola.
Once complete, the plant will address the rising demand for medical-grade liquid oxygen in healthcare facilities across the region.
The project is spearheaded by Hewatele and funded by development partners from the United States Development Finance Corporation, the government of Finland through Finnfund, Grand Challenges Canada, Soros Economic Development Fund and UBS Optimus Foundation of Switzerland with a total investment of $20 million (Sh2.5 billion).
Hewatele founder Bernard Olayo said the project will ensure high-quality oxygen is consistently accessible across different facilities in the region.
He said it will also contribute towards achieving universal healthcare and contributing towards the country's economic growth.
"Access to quality emergency healthcare services is a fundamental human right that enhances quality of life, allowing citizens to focus on personal and business development. Achieving universal healthcare requires global solidarity and resource mobilization," Olayo said.
Ambassador Whitman said the project is a win for Kenya and the US is proud to partner with Hewatele to see the project successful.
“The United States is proud to partner with Hewatele on the opening of this important plant.
“This facility is a win-win for Kenya. It will improve healthcare in the country and provide jobs in a growing industry,” she said.
Ambassador Tapiola on his part said:
“This partnership will enhance the affordable oxygen supply chain and ensure effective emergency preparedness. Finland is proud to support this project, and we expect it to have a significant development impact on Kenya’s healthcare sector.”
The facility will have a daily production capacity of 20 tonnes of medical oxygen.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the country struggled a lot with the supply of oxygen as hospitals depended on artificial oxygen to help with the treatment of critical cases.
