NAIROBI (CU)_The Ministry of Health of Kenya recently announced plans for a manufacturing facility in the capital city of Nairobi to support the production of a host of vaccines, including COVID-19 jabs. Currently, the East African nation imports over 70 per cent of medicines, vaccines and other medical products. As a result, the MoH is unable to access certain essential supplies at times due to logistical challenges. This was further exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the country’s limited local production.
Accordingly, these challenges are expected to be addressed by the new Biovax vaccine plant, which will be set up at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) facility in Embakasi. Announcing the plans during a meeting with the Kenya Editors Guild, Health Secretary Mutahi Kagwe revealed that the project will be launched at a cost of Sh2.5 billion (US$22 million).
“It will be situated at the KEMSA grounds in Embakasi. We have taken about three go-downs where that equipment will be put. We are in the process of renovating those go-downs, changing the place and securing the area,” the Minister said. “So, we are not going to put up new buildings for now so that the money that we have (Sh2.5 billion) will be used for installation alone.”
Assuring Kenyans of prudent utilisation of public funds, the Health Secretary noted that the Ministry intends to work with leading experts in order to ensure that highest standards are maintained the manufacturing and storage of vaccines. “Whoever we are going to work with must be of a global standing position,” he said. “We don’t wont compromises and people calling to see if some people can participate. Unless you have been in that business do not bother. We are going to work with the best on earth. That I can guarantee Kenyans.”
