Kenya is moving closer to producing its first locally manufactured immunisation vaccines, with the initial trial batch expected by the end of 2027.

This follows the completion of the first phase of enabling works at the Kenya BioVax Institute’s new manufacturing plant in Embakasi.

The earliest beneficiaries will be newborns, who are set to receive pneumonia vaccines once production begins.

Dr Charles Githinji, chairman of the Kenya BioVax Institute board of directors, emphasised the importance of the milestone, noting that the country’s push for self-reliance was inspired by challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment during a consultation forum with World Bank officials.

“Together with my board and management of Biovax, we have a strategy and a plan by the end of 2027, we shall be able to come here to inaugurate the release of the first batch of vaccines. It’s the first of its kind in Kenya. Not even the private sector is doing vaccine production. So we are setting a stage,” said Dr Githinji.

The project is backed by a partnership involving the World Bank and the Korean government, both of whom have pledged support to ensure the plant remains on schedule.

The BioVax Institute says, “We are working to accelerate all pending processes as Kenya positions itself among Africa’s emerging pharmaceutical producers.”

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Production Capacity and Project Focus

Dr Wesley Rono, Chief Officer at the Kenya BioVax Institute, outlined the plant’s expected production capabilities, assuring that, “the project aligns with global standards.”

He said the facility is projected to manufacture approximately six million immunisation vaccines each month, adding up to 72 million doses annually.

“The focus here will be on those vaccines that are critical for our immunisation programs,” said Dr Rono.

He added that, “engagements with additional partners are underway to help fast-track the operationalisation of the plant.”

Global Backing and Alignment With the AU Agenda

The World Bank has termed the initiative “a key stepping stone” toward Africa’s broader pharmaceutical independence.

Ramesh Govindaraj, Lead Specialist in the Health, Nutrition, and Population Global Practice, said, “The project feeds directly into continental goals under the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions Africa producing 60 percent of its pharmaceutical needs by 2040.”

He further noted that, “Ethiopia and Kenya are the first countries to join the program, which will see 12 African states benefit from a financing pool of Ksh 194 billion.”

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Kenya Among Key Beneficiaries

Dr Benard Olayo, Senior Health Specialist at the World Bank, confirmed Kenya’s allocation under the initiative.

“This program covers 11 countries already, but Kenya is one of the initial beneficiaries,” said Dr Olayo, adding that the country is set to receive Ksh. 15.5 billion out of the total budget.

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Health CS Aden Duale during a past meeting. PHOTO/MoH.