By Vivian Anyango
In a landmark move aimed at transforming Kenya’s healthcare system, the government has unveiled a KSh 65 billion partnership with China to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub by 2028. The project, announced during a high-level meeting between Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan, marks one of the largest health-sector investments in the region.
The ambitious initiative seeks to enable large-scale local production of essential medicines and vaccines using advanced Chinese technology, reducing Kenya's reliance on imported medical supplies and strengthening national health security.
“This partnership is a game-changer for our healthcare system,” said CS Duale. “By investing in local manufacturing, we are building the resilience of our health sector and securing a stable supply of critical medical products for the future.”
The plan will see the construction of modern pharmaceutical manufacturing plants across key regions in Kenya, with a focus on producing vaccines for common diseases, antibiotics, and chronic illness treatments.
Beyond infrastructure development, the Kenya-China partnership also includes a robust human capital component. The Chinese government will offer 500 full scholarships for Kenyan students to pursue studies in pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences in China. Additionally, an annual exchange program will be launched for Kenyan and Chinese healthcare professionals to share expertise, improve clinical practices, and foster innovation.
Ambassador Guo Haiyan hailed the agreement as a symbol of deepening Sino-Kenyan relations and a practical demonstration of China’s commitment to supporting Africa’s development agenda.
“Health is a cornerstone of development, and we are proud to walk this journey with Kenya. This project aligns with the global push for equitable access to medicine and stronger health systems,” said Ambassador Guo.
Kenyan officials see the project as a critical pillar in broader healthcare reforms that include upgrading public hospitals, enhancing disease surveillance systems, and reducing the cost of treatment for ordinary citizens.
Analysts say the deal positions Kenya as a potential pharmaceutical powerhouse in East Africa, with the potential to export medicines to neighboring countries and attract further investment in the biotech sector.
As construction and implementation begin, the Ministry of Health has assured the public that environmental and regulatory standards will be strictly adhered to and that the project will create thousands of jobs for Kenyans across the supply chain.
The first phase of the project is expected to break ground by early 2026, with vaccine production anticipated to begin by late 2027.
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