Economy

Kenya signs deal with India to make Aids drugs

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) and President Uhuru Kenyatta at the Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani on July 10, 2016 where they addressed Kenyans of Indian origin. PHOTO | EVANS HABIL

Kenya has signed a deal with India to start manufacturing Aids drugs such as ARVs in a move that will address rising concerns of affordability and supplies.

Visiting Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi also said the Asian nation will donate equipment to Kenyan public hospitals. "This will make Kenya the regional medical hub" he said.

India is renowned for a relatively well developed healthcare system with thousands of Kenyans flying to New Delhi to seek treatment.

The Indian PM also said they will finance the construction of a cancer facility in Kenya to offer affordable health care.

Indian manufacturers dominate the ARVs market, a trend that has earned it the Pharmacy to the developing world, moniker.

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Exim bank of India has issued a Sh13. 1 billion (USD130 million) credit line to revamp Rivatex factory and another Sh1.5 billion to revamp Kenya's industrial development bank to boost SMEs.

Cooperation deals were signed between Modi and Kenyatta in energy, trade, geothermal, tourism, defense and agriculture