Kenya unveils strategy to boost local manufacturing of health products

KENYA—Kenya has declared plans to build a strategy to improve local manufacturing, to achieve UHC as envisioned by the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

This information was revealed at the USAID Private Sector Engagement, which was attended by Harry Kimtai, Principal Secretary, State Department of Medical Services (MoH).

The Ministry of Health and Local manufacturers of health products and technology (HPTs) participated in the consultative breakfast meeting.

Under the Beta program, the implementation of the Human Vaccine Project, which is a BETA project, has been awarded Kshs 500 million( US$3.076 million) to improve local vaccine manufacture and help reduce spending on health and pharmaceutical products.

The forum stressed the significance of strong government assistance in reaching 50% local procurement and manufacturing of health items and technologies listed in Kenya’s Essential Medicines by 2026.

The panel also highlighted the importance of considering the availability of land for new companies as a government support for manufacturing.

The parties also discussed the concept of creating a roadmap collaboratively, beginning with comprehensive data gathering across the value chain to guide evidence-based policies.

Regulatory improvements, such as VAT exemptions and public procurement, were also on the agenda, with stakeholders eager to further help manufacturers.

The parties also stressed more agency engagement to solve challenges such as delayed payments and quality assurance infrastructure.

Speaking at the meeting, PS Harry Kimtai stated that the ministry is committed to achieving HPT self-reliance in the shortest feasible period by addressing concerns presented by our local manufacturers through matched policies and financial incentives.

He further stated that the Ministry was in the process of correcting the facts by validating existing information on gaps and interventions in progress.

The stakeholders demonstrated unity of purpose in enhancing production capacity for health access for all while lauding this multiparty engagement as they look forward to the outcomes.

Meanwhile, at the county level, the UHC intends to develop health infrastructure so that counties can prevent disease and promote health by building and renovating health facilities, as well as equipping and maintaining hospitals with new technology and machinery.

Another strategy is to provide high-quality health products and technology (HPTs) that significantly improve health outcomes.

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