A Kenyan company, Revital Healthcare, has unveiled its first end-to-end rapid diagnostic test kit manufacturing facility in Africa.
The flagship project will be able to supply 240 million test kits annually once it is fully operational.
The kits test for malaria, HHIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. Revital also manufactures syringes used for injecting medicine.
The United States, through USAID, has invested more than Sh262 million in the project.
United States ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman, USAID mission director David Gosney and Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha attended the launch on Tuesday in Kilifi county.
Speaking after touring the facility, Whitman said having the diagnostic testing kit manufacturing facility in Kenya was a game changer to the world.
She said what Revital Healthcare did was bring current technology and local expertise all together under one roof.
“Revital is not just producing essential diagnostic tests; they are rewriting the script on what’s possible when it comes to expanding access to quality healthcare in Africa,” she said.
Whitman said Revital was already the largest manufacturer of medical equipment in Africa, exporting to 30 countries around the world.
She said the company is going to fulfil the testing needs of Kenya, East Africa and most of Sub-Saharan Africa at large, terming it a remarkable achievement and mission.
The ambassador said the move was part of US’s plan to empower local manufacturing across Africa.
“So, today’s inauguration is about building new economy. Through its partnership with the US government, Revital is building a diverse workforce in Kenya, with over 80 per cent of its 650 employees being women,” she said.
She said their partnership seeks to support Revital by adding another 200 stable, well-paying jobs, which will not only ensure food is always on their family’s table, but also ensure their children’s school fees are paid, paving the way for future generation to take advantage of their full potential.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha said the facility will reduce cost of medical equipment previously imported from outside Kenya.
Previously, she said, they relied on foreign market to import the products, which was expensive, something which was witnessed during the Covid-19 pandemic in countries that were manufacturing the kits
Further, she said, the duration it takes to import the medical products are long but now they will be available locally
“This facility is important because it will reduce time and costs and will ensure we have grown as a country,” the CS said.
“This is in line with the Kenya Kwanza Agenda of supporting local manufacturing, and for us as the Ministry of Health, this is one of the pillars of universal health coverage. We must ensure health products and technologies are available, so we are here to support Revital because they assist the ministry in achieving commodities and security that we are going to use within the country.”
Governor Mungaro said the launch was a turning point for healthcare in Kilifi and for the entire continent.
“We celebrate the establishment of Africa’s largest diagnostic manufacturing facility right here in Kilifi county. This is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for a healthier future,” he said.
He thanked the US embassy and USAID for their support that enabled development of the facility.
Mung’aro said the facility will create jobs and offer opportunities for technological expertise, which will boost the local economy.
Rajni Vora, the director of Revital Healthcare, said $2.2 million was invested by Revital while USAID funded them with an additional $2.2 million.
