Kenya is positioning itself to become the leading hub for vaccine and pharmaceutical manufacturing in Africa. Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Ouma Oluga, emphasized this vision during a high-level breakfast event held on September 18, 2025. He invited global investors to capitalize on Kenya’s growing opportunities to build a resilient healthcare ecosystem that could not only serve the local population but also bolster Africa’s health security.
Currently, only 23% of healthcare products used in Kenya are manufactured locally, with the majority being imported. The Kenyan government is determined to reverse this trend by increasing domestic production capacity. Oluga underscored the importance of this shift for ensuring long-term health sovereignty, which would reduce dependency on external sources and mitigate risks exposed during global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the core of Kenya’s strategy is the Kenya Biovax Institute, a government-backed initiative designed to spearhead the local production of vaccines and essential medicines. Oluga referred to the institute as a flagship project, highlighting the country’s commitment to transforming from an import-reliant healthcare system to one capable of self-sufficiency. By strengthening local production, Kenya aims to not only meet its own needs but also contribute to Africa’s broader health security by reducing reliance on imported goods.
The government is actively pursuing partnerships with both local and international investors to accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Oluga stated that Kenya is ready to collaborate with investors to establish a resilient healthcare ecosystem that will make the country a continental leader in pharmaceutical innovation and supply security. These strategic collaborations will also ensure that Africa is better equipped to meet its own healthcare needs, reduce costs, and ensure reliable supply chains for vaccines and essential medicines.
By fostering innovation and production capabilities on the continent, Kenya hopes to serve as a model for other African nations, positioning the region as a leader in pharmaceutical self-sufficiency. Through these efforts, the country is not only improving its own healthcare infrastructure but also contributing to Africa’s overall health resilience.
