Nairobi, Kenya – July 14, 2025 – Japanese healthcare giant Sysmex Corporation has officially launched its Nairobi office, establishing Sysmex East Africa Ltd. as a regional hub to serve nine East African countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda. The company, a global leader in in-vitro diagnostics, is investing approximately Sh258 million ($2 million) to enhance diagnostic capabilities in Kenya’s 1,153 public hospitals, addressing critical gaps in healthcare infrastructure and aiming to improve patient outcomes across the region.
A Strategic Move for East Africa
The grand opening ceremony, held on July 1, 2025, at Sysmex East Africa’s new offices in Matrix One, General Mathenge Drive, Nairobi, was attended by dignitaries from the Kenyan Ministry of Health, Sysmex Europe President and CEO Alain Baverel, and executives from Sysmex Corporation in Japan. The event, covered by Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), marked a significant milestone in Sysmex’s African expansion, following subsidiaries established in South Africa (2006), Burkina Faso (2013), Ghana (2015), and Egypt (2018).
“Kenya’s vibrant healthcare market and its role as a regional hub make it the ideal base for our East African operations,” said Baverel in an interview with Business Daily. “Our Sh258 million investment will support the introduction of advanced diagnostic solutions tailored to local needs, particularly in haematology, HIV testing, and laboratory automation.” The Nairobi office will serve as a center for sales, technical support, and training, with a focus on strengthening healthcare systems across Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, and four other East African nations.
Addressing Healthcare Challenges
Sysmex’s entry into Kenya aligns with the country’s growing demand for reliable diagnostic tools, driven by an expanding healthcare market and the need for early detection of diseases like malaria, HIV, and anaemia. The company’s portfolio includes automated haematology, haemostasis, urinalysis, flow cytometry, and CD4 testing solutions, designed to improve test accuracy and laboratory efficiency. By targeting Kenya’s 1,153 public hospitals, Sysmex aims to bridge gaps in diagnostic access, particularly in underserved rural facilities.
Umut Gokalp, Sysmex’s Head of Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, emphasized the company’s commitment to education and capacity building. “We’re not just here for Kenya but to leverage its talent and culture as a hub for East Africa,” Gokalp said. “Our Sysmex Academy will train healthcare professionals to use our systems effectively, ensuring sustainable improvements in diagnostic quality.” The academy, part of the Sh258 million investment, will offer bilingual training in English and French, building on Sysmex’s model in West Africa, where it trains 1,500 professionals annually.
A Holistic Approach to Diagnostics
Sysmex East Africa Ltd., a subsidiary of Sysmex Europe SE, combines cutting-edge instruments with reagents, software, and after-sales support to deliver comprehensive diagnostic solutions. Its products are designed to address regional health challenges, such as screening for bleeding tendencies before surgery to reduce complications, a critical issue in many African hospitals. The company’s focus on automation aims to eliminate “instrument cemeteries”—unused equipment due to lack of maintenance—by providing robust technical support and local partnerships.
The Nairobi office will also collaborate with regional distributors to expand access to Sysmex’s solutions, ensuring consistent supply chains and customer care. This approach builds on the company’s success in other African markets, where it has established a reputation for high-quality products and reliable service. In Kenya, Sysmex’s offerings are expected to enhance laboratory capabilities in public hospitals, supporting the government’s efforts to improve universal healthcare under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
Economic and Social Impact
Kenya’s healthcare sector, valued at $3.5 billion in 2024, is attracting significant foreign investment due to its growth potential and strategic position in East Africa. Sysmex’s investment is poised to create jobs, particularly in technical and training roles, while fostering partnerships with local institutions like universities and the Ministry of Health. The company’s commitment to sustainable development aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes accessible healthcare and economic diversification.
However, challenges remain, including ensuring affordability for public hospitals with limited budgets and navigating Kenya’s complex regulatory landscape. Sysmex’s long-term strategy includes working with NGOs and regulators to tailor solutions to local needs, potentially reducing costs through economies of scale as it expands regionally.
The Nairobi office positions Sysmex to capitalize on East Africa’s rising healthcare spending, projected to grow by 8% annually through 2030. By serving nine countries from Kenya, the company aims to strengthen diagnostic infrastructure across the region, contributing to better health outcomes and reduced mortality from preventable diseases.
