Kenya and Japan Strengthen Health Partnership to Advance Local Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Nairobi, Kenya - - Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga met with the Japan–Kenya Joint Technical Working Group (TWG), alongside the Chargé d’Affaires of Japan, Mr. Hori Tomonobu, to review progress under the Kenya–Japan health cooperation framework. The discussions focused on strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing, regulatory cooperation and health research.
During the meeting, Dr. Oluga welcomed Japan’s commitment to mobilise KSh 3 billion to support Kenya’s local vaccine manufacturing agenda through the State Department for Medical Services and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). He said the proposed investment will strengthen vaccine research and manufacturing capacity through the development of modern research infrastructure and specialised skills development.
The Principal Secretary also welcomed progress towards implementing the Reliance Process to facilitate expedited regulatory review of medicines approved in Japan. He noted that the initiative, alongside efforts to strengthen pharmaceutical regulatory harmonisation and combat substandard and falsified medical products, will further reinforce Kenya’s pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem.
Also present were Japan Technical Advisor Ms. Kanako Okano; Directors Dr. Nazilla Ganatra and Dr. Ahmed Omar; Prof. Oduor of the Kenya Biovax Institute; and representatives from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).