Kenya Strengthens Local Pharmaceutical Production for Health Security
Nairobi, — Kenya is strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing and regulatory cooperation to expand access to quality health products, reduce dependence on imports and build resilient health systems.
Opening the sixth PharmaReg AfriSummit 2026, Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale outlined the country’s measures to increase domestic production and strengthen pharmaceutical regulation.
Africa imports more than 70 per cent of the health products it consumes, while approximately 85 per cent of its pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities are concentrated in only eight countries. This exposes the continent to supply disruptions and limits access to essential medicines and health technologies.
Through the 2026–2030 Health Products and Technologies Local Manufacturing Strategy, Kenya aims to produce at least 50 per cent of its essential health products locally. Thirteen new pharmaceutical companies have commenced operations, with some already manufacturing products for export.
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board is enhancing market surveillance and advancing Kenya’s regulatory system towards World Health Organization Maturity Level 3. More than 2,200 substandard, falsified and non-compliant products have been removed from the market.
Held under the theme “Building the Bridge of Health,” the five-day Summit has convened more than 450 health professionals, regulators, industry representatives and partners from Africa and beyond. Discussions will focus on strengthening pharmaceutical regulation, expanding local manufacturing and supporting Universal Health Coverage.
Present were Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga; AfriSummit Chairperson Dr Mona Moussli; Haleon General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa Himanshu Raj; Pharmacy and Poisons Board Chairperson Dr John Munyu; PPB Chief Executive Officer Dr Ahmed Mohamed; and Kenya Medical Supplies Authority Chief Executive Officer Dr Waqo Ejersa, among other delegates.