Kenya has pledged to strengthen local pharmaceutical production as part of broader continental efforts to reduce Africa’s reliance on imported medical products.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale held a consultative meeting with Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centers for Disease Control (CDC), to align on implementing the African Union’s mandate for advancing health sovereignty.
CS Duale said Kenya views health sovereignty as a core priority under President William Ruto’s administration, linking it directly to the country’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
“Our commitment to local manufacturing is central to ensuring sustainable access to essential medicines for all Kenyans,” he noted during the discussions.
The meeting highlighted that Africa spends over USD 500 billion annually on imported medical commodities, underscoring the urgency of boosting domestic production.
In support of Africa CDC’s USD 50 billion initiative to expand pharmaceutical manufacturing, CS Duale outlined Kenya’s ongoing reforms, which have attracted 13 new pharmaceutical manufacturers to the country.
Dr. Kaseya emphasized Africa CDC’s role in strengthening continental health security and advancing African-owned health systems.
The discussions included plans for a High-Level Meeting ahead of the African Union Assembly to coordinate continental strategies and promote regulatory alignment for local production.
Kenya is set to host an Extraordinary Summit on Local Pharmaceutical Manufacturing in 2026, prior to the World Health Summit Africa.
The summit aims to consolidate progress, foster investment, and share best practices across African nations.
The initiative forms part of Kenya’s wider strategy to position itself as a regional hub for medicine production, addressing long-standing gaps in access to essential drugs.
By focusing on local capacity, the government seeks to reduce dependency on imports and strengthen the resilience of national and regional health systems.
CS Duale reiterated Kenya’s support for Africa CDC’s continental manufacturing drive, stating that coordinated action across African countries is crucial for achieving sustainable health security and advancing the delivery of universal healthcare.