Square positions Kenya as regional pharmaceutical manufacturing hub

Square Pharmaceuticals Kenya EPZ Ltd has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Kenya's ambition of becoming a regional pharmaceutical manufacturing hub, as the country seeks to reduce its dependence on imported medicines.

The company hosted High Commissioners, Ambassadors and senior diplomats from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Rwanda, Somalia and Sri Lanka at its pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Athi River, where discussions focused on healthcare partnerships, pharmaceutical investment, technology transfer and regional trade.

The diplomatic visit showcased one of East and Central Africa's largest pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, established through an investment of more than $75 million (approx. Ksh.9.7 billion).

Since commencing commercial production in December 2022, the plant has been producing medicines that meet international Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards for both the Kenyan and regional markets.

The facility has an annual production capacity of more than 2 billion tablets, capsules and sachets, manufacturing a wide range of medicines for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, psychiatric conditions, pain management and other chronic illnesses.

The investment comes as Kenya continues to import more than 80 per cent of its pharmaceutical requirements, making local production a key pillar of the country's healthcare and industrialisation agenda.

Square Pharmaceuticals said expanding local manufacturing would help reduce import dependence, strengthen medicine security, improve access to affordable medicines and create skilled jobs while enhancing technology transfer.

The company said it is leveraging Bangladesh's experience in building a self-sufficient pharmaceutical industry to support Kenya's efforts to develop a resilient pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem capable of serving both the domestic and regional markets.

Speaking during the visit, the company's management said Kenya has the potential to become a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing hub for Africa through increased local production, strategic partnerships and investment in manufacturing capacity.

The visiting diplomats commended the facility's world-class infrastructure and said investments in local pharmaceutical production would strengthen healthcare systems, boost industrial growth and deepen regional economic cooperation.