Supporting Kenya’s Vision for Stronger Local Health Manufacturing

On the 23rd of June 2026 CIPS HPA was honoured to join the Ministry of Health’s Directorate of Health Products and Technologies (DHPT) at the launch of Kenya’s Local Manufacturing Strategy for Health Products and Technologies, officiated by the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga.

The launch marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s journey towards building a more resilient, self-reliant, and sustainable health system. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of Kenya, particularly the Ministry of Health, for its leadership and commitment in advancing this important agenda.

Building Resilient Health Systems Through Local Manufacturing

At CIPS HPA, we were privileged to provide technical support in the development of this strategy. Through our work in Kenya on procurement systems strengthening, governance, and capacity building, we have consistently seen that sustainable health outcomes depend on strong and resilient supply systems.

Local manufacturing is a critical component of that resilience. By strengthening domestic production of health products and technologies, Kenya can improve access to essential commodities, reduce dependence on imports, and enhance its ability to respond to future health challenges.

A Roadmap for Sustainable Growth

The strategy outlines a clear and practical roadmap built around three key priorities:

1. Accelerating Regulatory and Policy Reforms

Creating an enabling and predictable regulatory environment will be essential for supporting investment, innovation, and long-term industry growth.

2. Expanding Local Manufacturing Capacity

The ambition to scale up and diversify manufacturing capacity, including increasing utilisation by 70%, demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to growing a competitive and sustainable health manufacturing sector.

3. Strengthening Demand Generation and Market Assurance

Building market confidence, improving coordination, and ensuring reliable demand for locally produced health products will be critical to sustaining sector growth and improving access to quality products.

Together, these pillars position Kenya to become a regional leader in the manufacturing of health products and technologies while strengthening national and regional health security.

Dr. Ouma Oluga: Local Manufacturing Is Key to Health Security

Speaking at the launch, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga underscored the importance of local manufacturing in building a resilient health system and reducing reliance on imported health products.

He noted that strengthening domestic production can support sustainable healthcare financing, improve access to affordable and quality health commodities, and enhance the country's preparedness for global supply chain disruptions.

Dr. Oluga further highlighted that the strategy seeks to address longstanding barriers that have limited the growth of local manufacturing while creating an enabling environment for investment, innovation, and industrial expansion.

Importantly, he emphasized the need to translate research and innovations from institutions such as KEMRI and KEPHIS into locally manufactured health products that directly address Kenya’s healthcare needs.

Looking Ahead

The successful implementation of the Local Manufacturing Strategy will require continued collaboration among government, industry, development partners, and other stakeholders.

CIPS HPA remains committed to supporting the Government of Kenya and its partners in translating this vision into meaningful and measurable impact. We are optimistic about the future and confident that Kenya is well placed to strengthen its manufacturing base, improve access to quality health products, and contribute significantly to regional health security.

By investing in local manufacturing today, Kenya is laying the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable, and more resilient health system for generations to com