The government has launched the Kenya Health Products and Technologies Local Manufacturing Strategy 2026–2030 to strengthen the national health security strategy.
The ambitious plan aims to cut on dependence on imported medicines, vaccines, and other health commodities while strengthening national health security.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the strategy was a key pillar of the Taifa Care programme and complements ongoing reforms in health financing, primary healthcar, and digital health.
In a speech read on his behalf by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga during the launch, the CS said Kenya currently imports about 70 percent of its pharmaceuticals and nearly all vaccines, exposing the country to global supply shocks and rising costs.
The local health products market is valued at about USD 1.2 billion annually, with imports accounting for more than USD 760 million.
Duale added that expanding local production would lower healthcare costs, improve access to essential medicines, create jobs and strengthen resilience during health emergencies.
“To support the sector, the government is working with the National Treasury, Kenya Development Corporation, and development finance institutions to establish a health manufacturing credit guarantee facility,” the CS said.
He added that the fund will provide affordable financing for investment in pharmaceuticals, vaccines, diagnostics, and medical devices through long-term lending and risk-sharing arrangements.
Duale also emphasized the need to strengthen research and innovation by linking universities, research institutions and industry.
He cited KEMRI, the Kenya Institute for Primate Research, and local universities as key drivers of innovation whose work should be translated into commercial products.
The CS said the government will support institutions bridging laboratory research and large-scale production, including efforts to position Kenya BioVax as a regional center for vaccine and biotechnology manufacturing.
The strategy also seeks to address fragmented procurement by consolidating public-sector demand through pooled and multi-year purchasing arrangements to provide manufacturers with predictable markets.
Duale added that Kenya will support regional procurement under the East African Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area to expand market access for local producers.
He urged collaboration among manufacturers, financiers, researchers, and development partners, saying success would be measured by increased production, job creation, and improved access to quality medicines.
“This strategy will not be judged by the document we launch today, but by the factories built, the medicines produced, the jobs created and the lives saved,” he said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) welcomed the strategy, describing it as a major step toward strengthening health security and reducing reliance on imports.
WHO Kenya Officer in Charge Dr. Boston Zimba said the COVID-19 pandemic and Mpox outbreak exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains. underscoring the need for local production capacity.
He said the strategy would strengthen Kenya’s ability to produce medicines, diagnostics, and health technologies locally while supporting innovation, investment, and economic growth.
WHO stressed that success will depend on sustained investment, partnerships, and strong regulatory systems to ensure products meet international standards of quality, safety, and efficacy.
The agency pledged continued support to Kenya, including collaboration with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and other stakeholders to strengthen regulation and quality assurance.
Dr. Zimba also noted Kenya’s growing leadership in pharmaceutical manufacturing, citing President Dr. William Ruto’s role as African Union Champion for Local Manufacturing in advancing continental self-reliance.
WHO said successful implementation of the strategy would expand local production, create jobs, improve access to medicines, and strengthen health systems.
By James Kabutu and Vanessa Muhati
