By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, December 19 2025 - Kenya is seeking continued support from the World Health Organization (WHO) as it accelerates reforms to strengthen the regulation of medicines and vaccines, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has said.
Speaking after a bilateral meeting with WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in India, Duale underscored the importance of sustained technical assistance, particularly in training regulators and building long-term institutional capacity. The talks took place on the sidelines of the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine.
Duale said Kenya values WHO’s technical and political backing, noting that early engagement between the organisation and President William Ruto helped reassure the government that WHO remains a dependable and strategic partner. He described the relationship as one that is evolving beyond traditional donor support towards a more equal partnership focused on systems strengthening.
“Our focus is on technology transfer, industrial collaboration and building sustainable systems,” Duale said, linking the approach to President Ruto’s role as African Union Champion for Local Manufacturing. The aim, he added, is to reduce reliance on imports and expand Africa’s capacity to produce essential health products.
The Cabinet Secretary pointed to concrete steps already taken to encourage local pharmaceutical manufacturing. These include a fast-tracked six-month regulatory review process and lower fees for locally produced medicines. According to the Ministry of Health, the measures have already attracted 13 new pharmaceutical manufacturers to Kenya.
Duale also outlined progress towards achieving WHO Maturity Level 3 status for medicines and vaccine regulation by 2026, a benchmark that signals a stable and well-functioning regulatory authority. Institutional Development Plans are currently being implemented, with an updated progress report expected by January 2026 and a re-benchmarking mission scheduled for March.
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Beyond regulation, Duale stressed the need to strengthen emergency preparedness as health risks linked to climate change and global instability grow. He called for improved disease surveillance, early warning systems, rapid response capabilities and a well-trained health workforce to protect both Kenya and the wider region.
As discussions continue on a global Pandemic Agreement, Duale said Kenya would remain closely engaged with WHO to push for fair outcomes that safeguard national interests while promoting global solidarity.
He also sought deeper collaboration with WHO in primary healthcare, research and knowledge exchange through key institutions, including the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Kenya Biovax Institute, the National Public Health Institute and KEMRI.
Duale said Kenya is ready to lead with strong political commitment and a clear implementation plan, expressing confidence that its partnership with WHO will deliver lasting benefits for Kenyans and the global health community.
