The 4th China-Africa Conference On Population And Development

The National Treasury through the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD) hosted the 4th China-Africa Conference on Population and Development at a Nairobi hotel on 19th November, 2025.

The two-day Conference convened in collaboration with the China Government and United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA) was themed: “Harnessing Population Dynamics for Health and Sustainable Development; Strengthening China Cooperation.”

The aim of the conference was to share experiences and best practices on population and development, focused on accelerating the achievements of the demographic dividend in Africa as well as harnessing population dynamics for health and sustainable growth that will boost human capital.

During his address, the State Department for Economic Planning Principal Secretary Dr. Bonface Makokha, lauded the ongoing reforms and investments in health systems in the Country.

The PS stated that effective planning and allocation of sufficient resources to key sectors of the economy, remains critical in achieving the Country’s Universal Health Coverage and other Key Pillars anchored in the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the Fourth Medium-Term Plan (MTP-IV) 2023-2027 of the Kenya Vision 2030.

While acknowledging China’s support for Africa in the health sector through public health institutions, capacity building, and vaccine technological transfer, the PS emphasized on firming up continued cooperation between China and Africa.

He further reiterated that it is very crucial for country to continue strengthening National Statistical Systems and Demographic Data-Sharing for quality and evidence-based policies, programmes and projects.

This will not only enhance access to reproductive health services but will also leverage China’s experience in technical and vocational training for the youth living in the current dynamic technological era.

“Kenya recognizes that population and development are inseparable from health and human capital. We have made significant progress in expanding access to reproductive health services, reducing maternal and child mortality and promoting gender equality,” PS Makokha said.

The discussions during the conference reaffirmed the importance of effective research, qualitative data and collaboration geared towards building good health systems in Kenya.

Present during the conference were; the NCPD Board Chair Hon. Ali Wario, NCPD Director General Dr. Sheikh Mohammed and Chinese Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Zhang Zhizhong among other Senior Officials.