The Government has reiterated Kenya’s commitment to advancing regional vaccine manufacturing as a pillar of Africa’s health security
Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga underscored the need to translate political commitments into concrete implementation measures that create predictable demand, unlock investment, and sustain vaccine production across the continent.
Speaking during a high-level panel at the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026 held at the United Nations Office in Nairobi, the PS emphasised the need to strengthen demand aggregation, pooled procurement mechanisms, and long-term market signals to boost manufacturer confidence and de-risk investments in Africa’s growing health manufacturing sector.
The session, themed “From Political Commitment to Predictable Markets: Operationalising Regionalized Vaccine Manufacturing in Africa,” brought together governments, regional institutions, development partners, financiers, and industry leaders to identify practical actions needed to accelerate implementation of Africa’s regional vaccine manufacturing agenda.
Discussions focused on financing and risk-sharing mechanisms, regulatory alignment to enable cross-border market access, and strategies to operationalise the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism as a strategic “Buy African” instrument. Participants also outlined near-term priorities required to transform continental ambition into viable regional manufacturing ecosystems and resilient supply chains.
The session builds on momentum from the Presidential Declaration on Advancing Local Manufacturing of Health Products in Africa, adopted by African Union Heads of State in February 2026 under the leadership of President William Ruto, AU Champion for Local Manufacturing.
Panelists emphasised that the next phase must focus on coordinated delivery, including mobilizing sustainable financing, strengthening regulatory readiness, supporting innovation and technology transfer, and deepening regional collaboration to create predictable long-term markets for regionally manufactured vaccines.
The outcomes of the discussion are expected to inform priority actions ahead of the upcoming 2026 AU Heads of State Extraordinary Summit on African Health Products Manufacturing, sustaining momentum toward an Africa-led manufacturing ecosystem that supports health sovereignty and preparedness.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
