Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale,Dr. Abdullahi Ali ,Chair KEMRI and Dr. Damaris Maweu, Chairperson Kemri Annual Scientific and Health Research Conference (KASH) during the conference
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called for the urgent establishment of a Kenya Biomass Institute as a foundation for local vaccine manufacturing, saying the COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep vulnerabilities in Kenya’s and Africa’s health preparedness.
Speaking during the KASH Conference in Nairobi, CS Duale said Kenya must think ahead and invest deliberately in domestic capacity to produce vaccines and other critical health products to avoid future outbreaks.“COVID-19 exposed how unplanned we were as a country and as a continent. We have learned our lessons, and vaccine manufacturing is now non-negotiable,” said Duale.
Dr. Abdullahi Ali,Chair, KEMRI
The Health CS emphasized that partnerships will be central to this vision, noting that Kenya is open to collaboration with both local and international partners to build a resilient and sustainable health manufacturing ecosystem.
Duale underscored that technology and innovation are key drivers of health sector transformation, adding that the Ministry of Health will champion policies that translate research, technology, and innovation into tangible health outcomes.
Policy makers must commit to sustainable investments and enable the right environment, while researchers must publish more and turn knowledge into practical solutions,” he said.
He further stated that strengthening institutions such as KEMRI and upgrading laboratory infrastructure across the country will be critical in supporting vaccine research, development, and production. Duale also expressed gratitude to foreign partners for their continued support in strengthening Kenya’s health systems.
Aligning the initiative with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, the CS noted that Kenya stands at a pivotal moment where health security must be treated as a national priority.“Health must come first. A strong health system is the backbone of our economic resilience and national development,” Duale said.
The proposed Kenya Biomass Institute is expected to play a central role in driving local vaccine production, enhancing preparedness for future pandemics, and positioning Kenya as a regional hub for health innovation and manufacturing.
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