The government has announced plans to increase local manufacturing of essential medicines from 20 per cent to 50 per cent.

Speaking in Nairobi during the Haleon Kenya Stakeholder Breakfast Session on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga stated that the government aims to enhance access to affordable, high-quality health products.

 “Only 20 per cent of essential medicines are currently produced locally. We aim to grow that to 50 per cent by building strong partnerships in pharmaceutical innovation and production,” Oluga noted.

Furthermore, he announced that the ministry is implementing a national drug track-and-trace system in collaboration with the Global Standards Organisation to combat counterfeit medicines.

“Every tablet must be traceable from entry to patient. That’s how we ensure safety,” he stated.

Kenya–Pfizer Accord

The Ministry of Health also launched the Kenya–Pfizer Accord with Nick Lagunowich, Pfizer Global President for Emerging Markets, to expand access to affordable, quality medicines and vaccines in Kenya.

The ‘Accord for a Healthier World’ initiative by Pfizer will see the cost of 140 medicines used to treat these diseases being slashed by 60 per cent.

Through the partnership, the PS revealed that the government will equip healthcare facilities with new, advanced therapies to ensure that individuals suffering from these diseases have access to quality and timely healthcare, in line with the Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC) goal.

“We are signing this accord to reduce the cost burden on our patients and ensure lifesaving treatments are within reach for all. This is a bold step in delivering health equity,” said Oluga.

“This collaboration provides an opportunity for Kenyans to access some of the most innovative therapies available for diseases affecting them, including cancer, other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and infectious diseases,” he added.

On his part, Lagunowich stated that access to quality medicines shouldn’t depend on geography or income. 

“Through this Accord, we’re proud to support Kenya’s bold journey toward universal health coverage,” he said.

The announcement comes days after the World Health Organisation (WHO), in a report on June 10, 2025, warned that Kenya lacked essential medicines and technologies for the management of NCDs, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic respiratory illnesses, which are responsible for over 50 per cent of hospital admissions in the country.