KELIN participated in the launch of the Kenya Health Products and Technologies Local Manufacturing Strategy, an important milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen local production of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and other essential health products.
The event was officiated by Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, and brought together government agencies, manufacturers, development partners, researchers and civil society organizations working to advance local pharmaceutical production in Kenya.
KELIN Executive Director Allan Maleche attended the launch and welcomed the Government’s commitment to building a stronger and more resilient health products manufacturing sector.
“For KELIN, local manufacturing is ultimately about access. The more resilient our health supply chains are, the better positioned we are to ensure people can access the medicines and health technologies they need when they need them. Strengthening local manufacturing is therefore both a health and development priority.” – Allan Maleche, Executive Director, KELIN
For KELIN, this conversation is closely linked to our work on access to medicines and the right to health. Over the years, we have highlighted the risks of relying heavily on imported medicines and the need to create an enabling environment for local manufacturers to thrive.
In 2023, KELIN conducted an audit on the status of local manufacturing of antiretroviral medicines in Kenya. The study identified several barriers facing local manufacturers, including regulatory challenges, limited incentives, tax-related obstacles, and the need for stronger coordination across government institutions. In 2024, KELIN also undertook a market intelligence study on priority HIV and TB products, which further examined opportunities to strengthen local production and improve long-term access to essential medicines.
Many of the issues raised through these studies are reflected in the new strategy, including the need for regulatory strengthening, investment in local manufacturing capacity, skills development, and greater collaboration between government agencies and industry.
Strengthening local manufacturing is not just an economic issue. It is also about ensuring that people can access the medicines and health products they need, when they need them. Recent global disruptions have demonstrated the importance of building sustainable and resilient supply chains closer to home.
KELIN looks forward to continuing to engage with government, industry, communities and other stakeholders as the strategy moves from policy to implementation.
