Kenya Engages World Bank on Advancing Vaccine Manufacturing Agenda
Nairobi,, 2025 –the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, alongside Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Harry Kimtai, received a courtesy call from the World Bank delegation led by Ramesh Govindaraj and Brian Olayo.
The meeting underscored Kenya’s growing role as a priority country for the World Bank in vaccine production, with a focus on strengthening regional health security. The Bank’s support is informed by key lessons drawn from the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health emergencies, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable local vaccine manufacturing capacity.
With continued support from the World Bank, Kenya is poised to become a regional hub for vaccine production—promoting self-sufficiency, reducing reliance on imports, and fostering the growth of the biopharmaceutical sector. The collaboration also presents an opportunity to advance research and development, establish strong regulatory systems, and improve pandemic preparedness.
Kenya’s strategic geographic position enables it to serve the wider East and Central African region, enhancing access to affordable vaccines while boosting public health resilience.
The partnership between the government, private sector, and global partners such as the World Bank is expected to accelerate the development of a robust vaccine ecosystem. Kenya’s long-term vision is to move from import dependence to local innovation, manufacturing, and eventual vaccine exports—cementing its role as a key contributor to global health security.