Nairobi: The government and Universal Postal Union (UPU) have signed the joint Declaration on the Universal Postal Union Post4Health project, an initiative that will enable Postal Corporation of Kenya (PCK) to distribute health products and technologies.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kenya, through PCK, applied for the UPU's support through the Post4Health initiative to facilitate the distribution of health products and technologies. Broadcasting and Telecommunications PS Stephen Isaboke expressed the government's satisfaction with UPU's favorable consideration of the application, which includes support amounting to approximately Sh22 million at the prevailing exchange rate.
Isaboke highlighted Kenya's request for support to acquire five trucks with refrigerated storage, amounting to approximately Sh46.1 million. He emphasized the strategic partnership with UPU, assuring continued active involvement in the Union's affairs.
The government plans to address the funding shortfall for the Post4Health project through the Communication Authority Universal Service Fund. The signing ceremony, held at Telposta Towers, saw PS Isaboke representing the government, while UPU was represented by Director General Masahiko Metoki.
Isaboke noted that the project aims to enhance PCK's capacity to provide health-related services, diversify postal services, and contribute to national public health policies. He also thanked UPU for its ongoing support, referencing past benefits from UPU's Quality Monitoring Project, Emergency and Solidarity Fund, and Quality Service Fund.
The government is restructuring the Postal Corporation of Kenya to improve competitiveness in the digital and multi-operator environment. Isaboke stated that this restructuring aims to enable PCK to fully leverage opportunities in the digital economy and e-commerce, while also diversifying its services.
Kenya boasts a dynamic ICT and postal/courier sector, with one designated operator and 300 private courier operators, making it one of the most competitive in the region. In his remarks, Metoki reiterated UPU's support for the collaboration and encouraged PCK to proceed with the project's implementation, anticipating strengthened corporate capabilities.