Kenya and Japan are set to deepen cooperation in healthcare, with a focus on increasing local production of vaccines, medicines and medical technologies.
The partnership was discussed during the first Japan-Kenya Health Cooperation meeting held on Monday, October 5, as the two countries explored ways to strengthen Kenya’s health system and reduce reliance on imported medical products.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Olunga led the Kenyan delegation during the meeting, which focused on research, local manufacturing, health financing, workforce development and access to modern health technologies.
The discussions will also seek to strengthen the connection between research institutions and the development of medicines, diagnostics and other medical technologies.
This will include early-stage research and clinical trials.
Kenya seeks Japanese technology
Kenya plans to combine Japanese technology and expertise with the work being done by local research institutions, universities and private companies.
The aim is to expand the country’s manufacturing capacity and make it less dependent on imported health products.
The cooperation comes as Kenya works towards producing its first locally manufactured vaccine, with the government targeting its rollout in 2027.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the target in January after meeting the board and senior management of the Kenya BioVax Institute to review progress on the vaccine manufacturing programme.
Duale said local vaccine production would support the government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda by improving access to affordable and reliable vaccines.
Japan has previously supported Kenya’s plans to strengthen health manufacturing, including a commitment to mobilise Ksh3 billion towards vaccine research and manufacturing capacity.
Training and health financing
The new cooperation will also focus on developing the skills of healthcare workers.
Kenya and Japan will explore specialised training and simulation-based learning, alongside stronger collaboration between universities and hospitals.
The partnership will also cover sustainable health financing, domestic resource mobilisation and health technology assessment.
These areas are expected to help Kenya develop the systems and expertise needed to sustain improvements in healthcare.
The two countries also recognised Kenya’s potential to become a regional hub for health research, innovation, manufacturing and training.
The cooperation is expected to support Kenya’s efforts to build local capacity while reducing its dependence on imported medicines, vaccines and other health products.
