Kenya strives to become regional pharmaceutical hub
Nairobi, Kenya – May 3, 2023 – The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) is currently hosting a delegation from the World Health Organization (WHO) to discuss regulatory systems strengthening and local manufacturing.
Kenya has set its sights on becoming a leading regional hub for the production of medicines and healthcare supplies, with the aim of reducing costs and ensuring accessibility for all citizens. During the visit of the WHO delegation, Dr. Charles Githinji, Chairman of the PPB, emphasized the crucial role of local manufacturing in providing affordable healthcare to all Kenyans.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting local pharmaceutical production, which aligns with the “Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda” outlined in the Kenya Kwanza Manifesto. This agenda prioritizes the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals within the country to guarantee affordable healthcare for every Kenyan, regardless of their background or status.
Acknowledging the competitive potential of local manufacturers and their capacity to expand, the government is determined to leverage Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and scale up the production of essential supplies, said Dr. Githinji. The two-day WHO High-Level Mission is expected to provide valuable insights into strengthening the national regulatory system and the local pharmaceutical industry.
The meeting was attended by Members of the PPB Board, the CEO Dr. Fred Siyoi, PPB Directors, and senior managers, signifying their active involvement in the discussions, and commitment to advancing the healthcare sector in Kenya.
Continuous capacity building for local manufacturing, and ensuring the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines remain top priorities for the PPB. The Board’s commitment to achieving effective and affordable healthcare through local production was also emphasized.
