Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale strategic talks with the board and senior management of the Kenya Bio Vax Institute to explore possibilities local vaccine manufacturing.

Mr Duale reaffirmed the government’s commitment to local vaccine manufacturing as a cornerstone of Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.

The engagement focused on the institute’s mandate to manufacture and commercialise safe, high-quality and effective human vaccines, alongside other critical health products and technologies essential to national health guarantees.

Making his first visit to the institute, the cabinet secretary was briefed on key milestones that include progress towards Kenya’s first trial batch of locally manufactured vaccines that will be release by the end of 2027.

During the visit, Duale noted that the first phase of the vaccine manufacturing facility – fully funded by the government – has been successfully completed, with the second phase now underway.

“This phase will involve project integration and the installation of critical equipment that includes advanced fill-and-finish systems,” he announced.

Additionally, the discussions also highlighted Kenya’s achievement of World Health Organization (WHO) Maturity Level 3, attained with the support of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and the National Quality Control Laboratory.

According to Duale, the milestone positions Kenya as a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in Africa, strengthens regulatory oversight, and supports the country’s UHC goals while contributing to economic growth under the 5th Administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Cabinet Secretary Duale further noted that the institute is set to benefit from World Bank support through the Regional Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience (HEPRRP) programme.

“The initiative is expected to enhance Kenya’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity and strengthen preparedness for public health emergencies,” he reiterated.

In an interactive engagement with staff, the cabinet secretary underscored the importance of integrity, transparency and accountability in public service as outlined under Article 232 of the Constitution. He noted that the values are essential in delivering people-centred and effective healthcare.

The cabinet secretary was hosted by Kenya BioVax Institute Board Chairperson Charles Githinji and Chief Executive Officer Wesley Ronoh. He was accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga, Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth and World Bank Representative Bernard Olayo.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Michael Omondi