Kenya pushes local vaccine production as AMR and neonatal infections surge

NAIF RASHID-KNA

Kenya is accelerating efforts to locally manufacture vaccines as government officials and scientists warn that rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR), neonatal infections, and hospital-acquired diseases pose an increasing threat to public health and the sustainability of the health system.

The renewed push was announced by Kenneth Mwige, Director General (DG) of the Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery Secretariat, who emphasized that Kenya must urgently reduce its reliance on imported vaccines and strengthen disease prevention to safeguard national health security.

Speaking at the 16th Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Annual Scientific and Health (KASH) Conference in Nairobi, Mwige highlighted how the COVID19 pandemic exposed Africa’s vulnerability to global vaccine supply disruptions.

“COVID-19 showed us that depending entirely on external suppliers for vaccines is a strategic risk. Health security must include the ability to produce vaccines locally,” stated the DG.

He noted that vaccines remain among the most cost-effective public health tools, saving millions of lives globally and significantly reducing long-term healthcare costs.

Importantly, Mwige disclosed that Kenya plans to scale up domestic vaccine production through the Kenya Biovax Institute, a public-private initiative designed to transition from vaccine packaging and distribution to full manufacturing. 

“We have the scientific capacity, research institutions, and intellectual talent to solve many of our health challenges. What we need is stronger coordination between government, academia, industry, and research,” he advised.

Equally, Mwige added that vaccines have saved an estimated 150 million lives worldwide over the past 50 years, including more than 110 million children, emphasizing that preventive healthcare is far more affordable than treating disease.

“If we vaccinate children early, we prevent disease later, reduce hospital admissions, and save billions in healthcare costs,” implored the DG.

Beyond vaccine security, Mwige raised concerns about systemic weaknesses in Kenya’s public health facilities, including overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and gaps in infection prevention and control.

“It is unacceptable in 2026 for patients to share beds or receive care in overcrowded and poorly ventilated wards. Counties must prioritize clean, safe, and dignified healthcare environments,” he directed.

Further, the DG also warned that drought and water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions could worsen the spread of infectious diseases, as communities turn to unsafe water sources.