Kenya launches Health Products and Technologies Local Manufacturing Strategy 2026–2030

KENYA—The Ministry of Health has unveiled the Kenya Health Products and Technologies (HPTs) Local Manufacturing Strategy 2026–2030, a five-year roadmap designed to strengthen domestic production of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and other essential health products.

The strategy aims to enhance national health security, create jobs, promote innovation, and improve access to quality and affordable healthcare commodities while reducing the country’s reliance on imports.

Building a stronger local manufacturing industry

Speaking during the launch, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga said local manufacturing is essential for building a resilient healthcare system that can withstand global supply chain disruptions.

He noted that expanding domestic production would support sustainable healthcare financing, improve access to affordable health products, and strengthen Kenya’s preparedness during public health emergencies.

Dr. Oluga explained that the strategy addresses long-standing barriers that have slowed the growth of local manufacturing by creating a more supportive environment for investment, research, innovation, and industrial expansion.

He also emphasized the importance of translating scientific discoveries from institutions such as the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) into locally manufactured health products that meet the country’s healthcare needs.

In addition, he highlighted the need for coordinated procurement systems that aggregate demand and provide market assurance for local manufacturers.

According to him, predictable purchasing mechanisms will encourage investment while improving product quality, affordability, consistency, and long-term sustainability across the sector.

Three strategic pillars

The strategy is built around three key priorities: accelerating regulatory and policy reforms, expanding and diversifying local manufacturing capacity, and strengthening demand generation through market assurance.

Together, these measures seek to increase the utilization of existing manufacturing capacity, improve market access for locally produced products, and position Kenya as a regional hub for health products and technologies manufacturing.

Dr. Oluga called on government agencies, manufacturers, researchers, investors, and development partners to work together to implement the strategy, noting that strong partnerships will be critical to advancing Universal Health Coverage and supporting the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

Part of broader health sector reforms

The launch comes as the Ministry of Health continues implementing broader reforms aimed at strengthening pharmaceutical regulation and digital health systems.

Earlier this week, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced that three national digital platforms—the National Track and Trace System, Practice360, and Facility360—will become operational on July 1, 2026.

The platforms are expected to improve medicine traceability, strengthen supply chain transparency, curb counterfeit health products, and support local manufacturers through a more efficient regulatory environment.

The ministry has also reaffirmed its commitment to helping the Pharmacy and Poisons Board achieve the World Health Organisation’s Maturity Level 3 status, a milestone expected to enhance Kenya’s regulatory credibility and attract greater investment into pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The launch brought together key stakeholders from across the healthcare sector, including Federation of Kenya Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Chairperson Dr. Vimal Patel, UNICEF Chief of Health Dr. Luigi D’Aquino, PATH Kenya Country Director Carolyne Njuguna, representatives from AMREF, the World Health Organization, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Kenya BioVax Institute, senior Ministry of Health officials, industry leaders, researchers, development partners, and other stakeholders.