The Kenyan government is taking steps to strengthen local pharmaceutical manufacturing and regulatory cooperation to increase access to quality health products. This move aims to build more resilient health systems across Africa. Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale outlined these measures during the opening of the sixth PharmaReg AfriSummit 2026. The summit brought together health professionals, regulators, industry representatives, and partners from Africa and beyond.
Africa currently imports over 70% of the health products it consumes, with approximately 85% of the continent's pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities concentrated in eight countries. Kenya is working to reduce its dependence on imported health products and strengthen domestic production. The 2026-2030 Health Products and Technologies Local Manufacturing Strategy targets 50% local production of essential health products.
Thirteen new pharmaceutical companies have commenced operations in Kenya, with some already manufacturing for export. The Pharmacy and Poisons Board is enhancing market surveillance and advancing Kenya's regulatory system towards WHO Maturity Level 3. This upgrade will ensure that local health products meet international standards.
The efforts to strengthen local pharmaceutical production have already yielded results. Over 2,200 substandard, falsified, and non-compliant products have been removed from the market. This move has contributed to a safer health environment in Kenya.
The PharmaReg AfriSummit 2026, held under the theme "Building the Bridge of Health," convened over 450 participants to advance pharmaceutical regulation, local manufacturing, and Universal Health Coverage. The summit provided a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge and best practices in pharmaceutical regulation and local manufacturing.
Kenya's progress in strengthening local pharmaceutical production has been commended by stakeholders. The country's efforts to enhance its regulatory system and increase local production are expected to have a positive impact on the health sector. The government remains committed to achieving its goal of producing 50% of its essential health products locally by 2030.
The strengthening of local pharmaceutical production in Kenya is a significant step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage. The country's experience will serve as a model for other African countries seeking to improve their health systems. Key stakeholders will continue to work together to ensure that Kenya's health sector continues to improve.
Key points
- Kenya aims to produce 50% of its essential health products locally by 2030.
- Africa imports over 70% of the health products it consumes.
- Over 2,200 substandard health products have been removed from the Kenyan market.
