President William Ruto says Kenya is taking deliberate steps to strengthen its pharmaceutical ecosystem as part of efforts to position the country as a regional hub for drug manufacturing and health innovation.
Speaking during the Africa Initiative for Medical Access and Manufacturing (AIM2030) meeting ahead of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, President Ruto said the government is enhancing the capacity of the National Regulatory Authority to attain the World Health Organisation’s Maturity Level 3 certification.
“We are taking deliberate steps to strengthen our pharmaceutical ecosystem. This includes enhancing the capacity of our National Regulatory Authority to achieve World Health Organisation Maturity Level 3, thereby reinforcing global confidence in the quality, safety, and efficacy of Kenyan manufactured products,” Ruto said.
According to the President, the move is aimed at boosting global confidence in the quality, safety and effectiveness of pharmaceutical products manufactured in Kenya.
Ruto noted that Kenya is seeking to become a key centre for pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical supply chains and health innovation serving both local and African markets.
He added that Kenya’s strategic location as a gateway to Eastern Africa, combined with a growing domestic market, improved logistics and a favourable investment climate, places the country in a strong position to drive the continent’s healthcare manufacturing agenda.
The Head of State also challenged African governments to implement commitments on regulatory harmonisation, market integration and industrial policy to unlock Africa’s manufacturing potential and reduce reliance on imported medical products.
