Kenya has set 2027 as the target year to begin manufacturing vaccines locally, a move government officials describe as critical to reducing reliance on donor-funded supplies and strengthening regional health security. The announcement came during the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), where health partnerships between Kenya and Japan took center stage.
Speaking at a Gavi reception on Africa’s Leadership in Health, Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said Kenya’s vaccine plan is not only about production capacity but about resilience.
“This effort extends beyond simply producing vaccines it is about ensuring long-term resilience through political commitment, community involvement, and innovative collaborations,” she told delegates.
Japan Visit Reinforces Health Collaboration
The Kenyan delegation in Tokyo visited the Japan Institute for Health Security and the National Center for Global Health & Medicine, where they examined research facilities focused on malaria, infectious diseases, and advanced diagnostics. Officials said such exchanges are expected to deepen cooperation in disease prevention and health system strengthening seen as essential for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
In a related session, the Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE) hosted a dialogue on the “Africa–Japan Common Vision on Health,” framing health as a driver of economic development and mutual benefit.
Kenya’s Vaccine Manufacturing Push
Kenya spends nearly KES 8 billion each year on vaccines. While coverage for childhood immunization has exceeded 80 percent, the country remains heavily dependent on donors for supplies. The government hopes to shift this balance through the Kenya BioVax Institute, which has secured World Bank funding of about KES 8 billion to begin operations.
BioVax is expected to start with typhoid and pneumococcal vaccines before expanding to cholera, Ebola, and later, routine vaccines such as polio, tetanus, and Hepatitis B. Long-term plans also include biotherapeutics such as insulin and antivenoms.
A feasibility study completed in mid-2025 outlined the establishment of a “smart vaccine manufacturing facility” that integrates advanced production systems alongside strengthened pharmacovigilance and regulatory oversight.
Building Partnerships
Kenya has been positioning itself within regional and global vaccine networks. In late 2024, the Ministry of Health signed an agreement with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) to host a regional office and lead the Advancing Vaccine End-to-end Capabilities (AVEC) project. The initiative ties Kenya’s efforts to the Africa CDC’s target of 60 percent local vaccine production by 2040.
The BioVax Institute has also featured in international forums, including the World Local Production Forum in Abu Dhabi, where Kenya pledged to advance equitable access to vaccines and health technologies. Locally, governance structures and stakeholder workshops have been rolled out to align the institute with national health and economic agendas.
Why the 2027 Timeline Is Critical
BioVax chief executive Michael Lusiola has said initial operations will begin with “fill-and-finish” packaging before moving into full-scale manufacturing. The choice of 2027 aligns with Kenya’s anticipated graduation from Gavi and UNICEF vaccine support.
Currently, the Kenyan government covers roughly KES 4 billion of vaccine costs, while donor agencies contribute about KES 32 billion. Officials argue that local manufacturing could ease the fiscal strain and eventually position Kenya as a supplier for East Africa.
Health officials say even modest local production would reduce exposure to global supply shocks and support regional solidarity during crises.
