Kenya makes strides to reduce pharmaceutical importation in new training
By Aloys Michael, July 4, 2025In a move aimed at bolstering Kenya’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), in collaboration with global health nonprofit PATH, conducted a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) training for local drug manufacturers on Friday, July 4, 2025.
The training comes at a pivotal moment as Kenya intensifies efforts to boost domestic vaccine production and reduce reliance on imports. The government is currently working towards attaining Maturity Level 3 status from the World Health Organisation (WHO), a critical benchmark that signifies strong regulatory oversight of the pharmaceutical sector.
Speaking during the training session, Antony Toroitich, the Director of Corporate Services at PPB, who represented the agency’s Chief Executive Officer, F. M. Siyoi, emphasised the urgency of addressing persistent gaps identified during GMP inspections.
“There is a need to strengthen regulatory systems and support the development of a resilient local pharmaceutical industry. This training is one of many initiatives we are implementing to ensure that our manufacturers produce health products and technologies (HPTs) that meet global standards,” Toroitich said.
“The training marks a significant step in Kenya’s journey toward regulatory maturity and pharmaceutical independence.”
Boosting vaccine production
He said that good Manufacturing Practices are internationally recognised guidelines that ensure pharmaceutical products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards. They cover all aspects of production, from raw materials to hygiene and staff training.
The session targeted both established manufacturers and emerging players in Kenya’s pharmaceutical sector. By strengthening GMP compliance, PPB and PATH aim to improve the quality and safety of locally manufactured medical products — a strategic necessity as Kenya looks to become a regional hub for vaccine production.
“This is a timely intervention,” he said, noting that the government is investing heavily in local vaccine production capabilities. “We must align our regulatory frameworks and industry practices to meet this ambition.”
Toroitich said the partnership between PPB and PATH reflects a broader strategy by the Kenyan government to promote self-sufficiency in healthcare manufacturing. Recent health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, prompting renewed focus on local production.
PPB reaffirmed its commitment to capacity building and regulatory excellence through continued collaboration with partners and stakeholders.
“Our goal is to safeguard public health by ensuring that all products circulating in the market are safe, effective, and of high quality,” Toroitich asserted.