Kenya, US sign deal to strengthen pharmaceutical collaboration

The commitment follows a confidentiality agreement signed in March 2024 which aimed at fostering cooperative engagements in Kenya's pharmaceutical sector.

During their visit, the US FDA delegation met with the Ministry of Health, represented by Dr. Patrick Amoth, Acting Director General of Health, on behalf of Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha.

Dr. Amoth underscored health's pivotal role in Kenya's Bottom-up Economic Transformation agenda, particularly emphasizing Universal Health Coverage.

 Kenya has identified Health Products and Technologies as a key pillar under this agenda, alongside Human Resource for Health, Healthcare Financing, and Digital Health.

The country is actively promoting local manufacturing through initiatives like the Kenya Biovax Institute and supporting PPB to achieve WHO Maturity Level 3 (ML3) status as a National Regulatory Authority (NRA).

 Dr. Amoth highlighted the benefits of achieving WHO-ML3 status, which include streamlined approval processes and improved transparency for local manufacturers and importers of medical products.

He emphasized that these initiatives aim to enhance market access for affordable, high-quality medical commodities, supported by tax-free importation of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and production equipment.

The collaboration between PPB and US FDA signifies a significant stride towards strengthening Kenya's regulatory landscape and ensuring robust health commodity security.