Kenya is stepping up efforts to make Africa less dependent on imported medicines. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale met with Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centers for Disease Control (CDC), to discuss plans to boost local pharmaceutical manufacturing and strengthen the continent’s health security.
CS Duale said health sovereignty is a top priority for Kenya under President William Ruto and is key to delivering Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“We are committed to expanding local production to ensure that all Kenyans have access to essential medicines,” he said.
The meeting revealed that Africa spends more than USD 500 billion every year on imported medical products, highlighting the urgent need to manufacture drugs locally.
Kenya is already making progress, attracting 13 new pharmaceutical manufacturers through regulatory reforms and capacity-building measures.
Dr. Kaseya praised Kenya’s role and stressed Africa CDC’s mission to strengthen African-owned health systems.
The officials agreed on the need for coordinated continental action, including a High-Level Meeting ahead of the African Union Assembly to fast-track local production initiatives.
Kenya will host an Extraordinary Summit on Local Pharmaceutical Manufacturing in 2026, just before the World Health Summit Africa.
The summit is expected to bring together policymakers, investors, and industry experts to accelerate the continent’s move toward health self-reliance.
CS Duale reiterated that local manufacturing is critical for reducing dependence on imports and building resilient health systems.