Kenya targets pharmaceutical self-sufficiency by 2028 as investment drive gains momentum

KENYA—Kenya is stepping up efforts to build a self-reliant pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, framing it as both a health security priority and a driver of long-term economic growth.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale convened a high-level meeting on health products and medical technology manufacturing on the sidelines of the Kenya International Investment Conference 2026.

The gathering brought together ministers, investors, industry leaders, and development partners to unlock fresh capital for the sector.

Addressing attendees, Duale pointed to the urgency of closing Kenya’s 70 per cent pharmaceutical supply gap, describing local production as a foundation of health sovereignty.

Although the country already hosts more than 30 manufacturers, the government is now focused on scaling capacity to transform Kenya into a competitive regional manufacturing hub.

Global disruptions expose the cost of dependency

Duale cautioned that recent global supply chain disruptions have laid bare the dangers of depending too heavily on external sources for essential medicines, particularly in terms of access, affordability, and resilience.

In response, the government is aligning health security with industrial policy through increased local production, investment in skills, integrated supply chains, and strengthened distribution networks.

Four pillars driving the 2028 Goal

Kenya has committed to achieving pharmaceutical self-sufficiency by 2028, underpinned by four key enablers.

First, procurement reforms will give priority to locally manufactured products.

Second, the government is rolling out a National Local Manufacturing Strategy covering 2026 to 2030.

Third, ongoing regulatory reforms aim to reduce approval timelines and lower costs.

Fourth, the government is expanding access to long-term financing through institutions such as the Kenya Development Corporation.

Early results signal growing investor confidence

Progress is already visible. Pharmaceutical import expenditure fell by 22 percent between 2024 and 2025—a significant cost reduction for the country.

New manufacturers have entered the market, and existing firms are expanding, signaling growing investor confidence in the sector.

Kenya pitches itself as a strategic investment destination

Duale positioned Kenya as an attractive hub for pharmaceutical investment, citing its large domestic market, access to regional blocs such as the East African Community, COMESA, and the African Continental Free Trade Area, and strong logistics infrastructure.

He called on investors to help build a resilient, globally competitive pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem.

Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, and Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Ouma Oluga, accompanied him to the meeting.