This archive report was first published on 28 August 2021.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront the stark reality of Kenya's reliance on foreign countries for pharmaceutical products, particularly from India, Malaysia, and China.
Despite the government's efforts to encourage local manufacturing through the Big Four Agenda, the pharmaceutical industry remains a laggard, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating the challenges facing the sector.
As the pandemic highlighted, the reliance on foreign countries for pharmaceutical products led to a serious medical crisis in Kenya and globally, with COVID-19 vaccines and essential raw materials becoming inaccessible.
It is imperative that the Kenyan government and African governments consider and act to bring more drug manufacturing to the region, reducing the risk of future shortages.
Local production of essential drugs is a crucial component of a long-term solution to providing adequate healthcare in Kenya and the region, with the country having the capacity and capabilities for cost-effective local production of quality-assured, safe medical products.
Encouraging local production of high-quality generics would build local capacity, create job opportunities, and reduce dependence on imports, ultimately contributing to economic autonomy and sustainable development in the pharmaceutical industry.
