A high-level delegation from the Federation of Kenya Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (FKPM) held a strategic meeting with the Principal Secretary for Medical Services to explore ways of strengthening local production of health products. The meeting was part of an ongoing initiative to build resilience and self-sufficiency in Kenya’s healthcare supply chain.
Chaired by FKPM Chairman Vimal Shah, the delegation presented comprehensive findings from a recently conducted Capacity Assessment Report. The report offers a detailed evaluation of Kenya’s current pharmaceutical production capabilities and outlines targeted strategies to enhance domestic manufacturing of medical commodities. The FKPM team highlighted both the opportunities and challenges in scaling up local production, citing the need for investment in infrastructure, policy reforms, and skills development.
In his remarks, the Principal Secretary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bolstering local pharmaceutical production as a critical pillar of national health security. He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had underscored the importance of reducing dependence on imported medical products. By strengthening local production capacity, Kenya can better secure the supply of essential health commodities, particularly in times of global disruptions.
The meeting emphasized collaboration between the public and private sectors. FKPM and the Ministry have been working closely through the Division of Health Products and Technologies to streamline regulatory frameworks and create an enabling environment for local manufacturers. This partnership aims to improve quality standards, ensure regulatory compliance, and facilitate innovation in pharmaceutical production.
One of the key proposals discussed was the development of industrial parks and special economic zones dedicated to pharmaceutical manufacturing. These zones would offer incentives such as tax relief, access to affordable utilities, and streamlined licensing procedures. By clustering related industries and services, the zones could foster efficiency and innovation while attracting investment from both local and international players.
The delegation also proposed the establishment of a centralized procurement system that prioritizes locally produced medical supplies. Such a system, they argued, would provide manufacturers with a predictable demand pipeline and encourage further investment in production capacity. Additionally, stakeholders discussed strengthening research and development (R&D) to support the manufacture of innovative medicines and technologies tailored to the local disease burden.
Capacity building emerged as a cross-cutting theme, with both parties recognizing the importance of equipping the workforce with specialized pharmaceutical skills. Suggestions were made to enhance training programs and collaborate with academic institutions to develop a skilled talent pool capable of driving industrial growth in the sector.
Environmental sustainability in pharmaceutical manufacturing was also briefly touched upon. Stakeholders agreed that as local production scales up, manufacturers should adopt eco-friendly practices, including efficient waste management and energy conservation, to ensure long-term sustainability.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to work towards a common vision: making Kenya a regional hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing. By fostering strong public-private partnerships, aligning regulatory policies with industry needs, and investing in capacity development, stakeholders believe that the country can significantly reduce its reliance on imports and improve access to quality health products.
This collaboration reflects a broader national agenda to strengthen health systems, support economic growth, and enhance Kenya’s ability to respond effectively to current and future public health needs.
