President William Ruto has reiterated Government commitment to develop the Pharmaceutical Industry in Kenya to establish it as a Middle Income Country and to develop its Pharmaceutical Ecosystem to exploit the Medical Manufacturing and Innovation sector.
While addressing the Africa Initiative for Medical Access and Manufacturing (AIM2030) meeting ahead of the opening of the Africa Forward Summit, President Ruto said that measures are being taken to proactively increase Kenya’s capacity to manufacture pharmaceuticals and healthcare products.
“Our goal is to position Kenya as a regional hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing, health innovation, and medical supply chains, serving both the Kenyan and the wider African markets.” said President Ruto
The Head of State observed that Kenya is working on enhancing the capacity of its National Regulatory Authority to become Maturity Level 3 as defined by the World Health Organisation which will enhance the credibility of pharmaceuticals of Kenyan origin.
Kenya’s vantage position as the entry point to Eastern Africa’s fast-growing economic bloc, a well-established modern logistical frame, a sizable domestic market and a first class investment climate he said will give Kenya a leading advantage in the pharmaceutical industry.
Reiterating the need for Africa to maximize its 2-4 per cent annual growth rate, the President urged African Governments to implement in full commitments made about regulatory harmonisation, market integration and industrial policies.
He also pointed out that greater integration among African nations was essential for speedier manufacturing of medicines and medical equipment, and reducing reliance on imported supplies and making affordable treatments more accessible nationwide.
