PS Oluga tips Kenya to lead Africa in vaccine and drug manufacturing
By Paulette Mboga, September 18, 2025Kenya is positioning itself to become Africa’s leading hub for vaccine and pharmaceutical manufacturing, according to the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Ouma Oluga.
Addressing a high-level breakfast event on Thursday, September 18, 2025, Oluga urged global investors to seize the opportunities Kenya offers in building a resilient healthcare ecosystem.
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Oluga noted that currently only 23 per cent of the products used in Kenya’s healthcare system are manufactured locally, a situation the government is determined to change.
He stressed that increasing domestic production is not only about ensuring resilience but also about securing long-term health sovereignty for the country and the continent.
Central to Kenya’s strategy is the Kenya Biovax Institute, a government-backed initiative set up to spearhead the local production of vaccines and essential medicines.
Oluga described the initiative as a flagship project that illustrates the country’s seriousness about transforming from an import-reliant system to one capable of self-sufficiency.
“We are interested in manufacturing, not just for the resilience of our healthcare systems. So far, only 23 per cent of the products we use in our healthcare system are manufactured locally,” he said.
He said that by strengthening local production capacity, Kenya will not only serve its own population but also contribute to Africa’s broader health security by reducing dependency on imports and mitigating risks exposed during global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Driving partnerships
The event brought together policymakers, international investors, and healthcare leaders to discuss opportunities for collaboration. Oluga highlighted the government’s commitment to working with both local and international partners to accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“Kenya is ready to partner with investors to build a resilient healthcare ecosystem that not only serves our nation but positions us as a continental leader in pharmaceutical innovation and supply security,” he said.
By pointing out Kenya’s readiness and commitment, the Principal Secretary made a strong case for Kenya as a destination of choice for pharmaceutical investment.
The government hopes that with strategic partnerships, Kenya can play a pivotal role in ensuring Africa’s capacity to produce vaccines and essential medicines, reduce costs, and guarantee reliable supply chains.