Japan has pledged KSh3 billion to support Kenya’s efforts to build a stronger local vaccine manufacturing industry through the Ministry of Health, reinforcing the country’s long-term healthcare resilience.
According to the Ministry of Health, the funding will be administered through the State Department for Medical Services in collaboration with the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).
The investment will be directed toward expanding vaccine research and production capabilities by upgrading research facilities and enhancing specialized technical skills.
The announcement followed a meeting between Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga, the Japan–Kenya Joint Technical Working Group (TWG), and Japan’s Chargé d’Affaires, Hori Tomonobu.
The discussions assessed progress under the Kenya–Japan health partnership, with particular attention to pharmaceutical manufacturing, regulatory collaboration, and medical research.
“The Principal Secretary also welcomed progress towards implementing the Reliance Process to facilitate expedited regulatory review of medicines approved in Japan,” the Ministry stated.
“This is alongside initiatives to strengthen pharmaceutical regulatory harmonisation, combat substandard and falsified medical products, and strengthen Kenya’s pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem,” it added.
For decades, many African nations have depended on imported vaccines, a challenge that became especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when lower-income countries faced significant delays in accessing life-saving vaccines due to high global demand.
To reduce reliance on imported vaccines, Kenya has intensified its plans to establish local vaccine production by 2027.
Earlier this year, Kenya became part of a global initiative aimed at developing local vaccine manufacturing capabilities, helping the country reduce its dependence on imported vaccines and other essential health products.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) launched the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme in Nairobi to equip Kenya with the expertise needed to produce vaccines for routine immunization, malaria, tuberculosis, and future pandemic response.
As part of the initiative, the Kenya BioVax Institute will receive comprehensive technical assistance and training covering the entire vaccine development process, from research and development to commercial-scale manufacturing.
In addition, the institute’s Embakasi facility is undergoing infrastructure upgrades to support vaccine production, while KEMRI will provide scientific expertise as a key research partner.
