Kenya Steps Up Preparations for Extraordinary African Manufacturing Summit
Nairobi, - Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga has held high-level consultations with representatives of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the African Union Commission ahead of the Extraordinary Summit on African Manufacturing, scheduled for 3–.
The meeting also reviewed activities supporting President William Ruto’s role as the African Union Champion for Local Manufacturing of Health Products.
Guided by the “Road to Nairobi” plan, the discussions assessed progress made by the Government of Kenya, Africa CDC and the African Union Commission and identified priority actions required to ensure timely and coordinated preparations.
The Summit seeks to translate Africa’s political commitment to local manufacturing into coordinated action, strategic investment and accelerated implementation at national and continental levels. It will bring together African Heads of State and Government, ministers, African Union organs, regulators, procurement authorities, manufacturers, investors, financiers, international organisations and development partners.
Dr Oluga reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to advancing the local manufacture of health products through investment, market development, stronger regulatory systems, research and development, and technology transfer.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen quality standards, digitise the health-products supply chain through the Track and Trace system and reduce the cost of health products and technologies. These interventions are expected to improve affordability, availability and access while strengthening Africa’s health security and self-reliance.
The PS committed to fast-tracking the required actions and ensuring that preparations comply with Government of Kenya and African Union procedures.
The Africa CDC and African Union Commission delegation included Shanelle Hall, Dr Claudes Kamenga, Ambassador Tordeta Ratebaye Alexandre, Patience Kente, Dr Lul Pout Riek and Kevin Irandagiye.
Also present were Dr Nicholas Muraguri, representing PS Sing’oei; Dr Nazila Ganatra; Dr Omar Albush; Raymond Ouma; Dr Stephen Njuguna; and Dr Rabera Kenyanya.