Kenya is intensifying efforts to expand its local pharmaceutical industry, aiming to sharply reduce its heavy reliance on imported medicines, which currently account for more than 70 per cent of the total country’s drug supply.
The initiative, highlighted at a recent investors’ forum in Nairobi, centres on providing long-term financing and equity investments to local drug manufacturers through the state-owned Kenya Development Corporation (KDC).
The gathering drew government officials, industry executives and health experts, all focused on strengthening local supply chains amid rising demand and growing global vulnerabilities.
Officials argue that curbing imports will ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves, shield the health system from local and international supply disruptions, and lower costs for patients.
Thus, the financing options from KDC are intended to enable manufacturers to upgrade facilities, expand operations and improve access to Kenyan-made medicines, according to the Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion, Abubakar Hassan Abubakar.
“The urgency of this paradigm shift is underscored by Kenya’s overreliance on imported medicines,” the Principal Secretary said while speaking at the forum.
“Import dependency fuels foreign exchange pressure, exposes the market to supply disruptions, and inflates healthcare costs.”
Also in attendance, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui stressed the need for cross-ministerial collaboration.
“No country can thrive through imports alone,” he said, adding that boosting domestic output was vital for economic resilience and stable access to healthcare.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that the move aligns with broader regional goals in East Africa to reduce import dependency.
However, experts cautioned that modernising drug manufacturing facilities and meeting international quality standards will require sustained investment and strong regulatory support.
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