Kenya is turning to local manufacturing and strategic partnerships to drive its journey toward sustainable healthcare and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
At the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) Business Expo, Principal Secretary for Public Health Mary Muthoni and Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth visited the booths of Revital Healthcare Ltd, Symex Corporation, and Eiken Chemical Ltd companies actively engaged in diagnostics, medical technology, and local production. Their goal: to explore partnerships that can support Kenya’s capacity to produce its own medical supplies and health technologies.
“Every time we rely on imports, we risk delays and shortages that cost lives,” PS Muthoni said. “Building local manufacturing is how we close those gaps and make sure no one is left behind.”
The delegation was joined by Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands, who emphasized the broader significance of the moment.
The leaders noted that Kenya’s ambition to become a regional hub for health innovation aligns with ongoing efforts like the establishment of the Kenya BioVax Institute, which is set to begin local vaccine production by 2027.
The conversations at TICAD9 also reinforced that achieving UHC will require more than government action alone. It will take deeper cooperation between public institutions, the private sector, and global health partners.
