Kenya has intensified efforts to establish itself as a regional vaccine manufacturing hub, engaging the World Bank in discussions to advance this agenda.
Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, and Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Harry Kimtai, held talks with a World Bank delegation led by Ramesh Govindaraj and Brian Olayo.
The meeting emphasized Kenya’s strategic importance in vaccine production and the need to strengthen regional health security.
The World Bank’s support for Kenya’s vaccine ambitions is driven by lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the importance of local manufacturing to reduce reliance on imports. With this backing, Kenya aims to enhance research and development, establish robust regulatory frameworks, and improve pandemic preparedness.
Kenya’s geographic position makes it well-placed to serve East and Central Africa with affordable vaccines, improving public health resilience. The collaboration between the government, private sector, and international partners is expected to accelerate the development of a sustainable vaccine production ecosystem.
The long-term goal is to transition from vaccine importation to local production and eventual exports, positioning Kenya as a key player in global health security.
