From left: Ernest Rwamucyo, High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda, Dr Iruka Kailemia Director Square Pharmaceuticals EPZ Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, Embassy of Somalia and Mohhammed Shahjahan-Head of Sales Operations Square Pharmaceuticals Kenya/HANDOUT
Square Pharmaceuticals Kenya EPZ Ltd hosted high commissioners, ambassadors and senior diplomats from seven nations at its facility in Athi River, reaffirming Kenya's growing position as a regional pharmaceutical manufacturing hub.
The diplomatic delegation included representatives from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Rwanda, Somalia and Sri Lanka, who toured the modern manufacturing plant.
The delegation engaged with the management on opportunities for strengthening regional healthcare, pharmaceutical investment, technology transfer and trade collaboration.
The visit provided an opportunity to showcase one of East and Central Africa's largest pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, established through an investment of over USD 75 million (Sh9.67 billion).
Since commencing commercial production in December 2022, the facility has been manufacturing high-quality, affordable medicines that meet international Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards for the Kenyan and regional markets.
The facility currently has an annual production capacity of more than two billion tablets, capsules and sachets (cachets) and manufactures a wide range of essential medicines, including products for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, gastroenterology, psychiatry, pain management and other chronic and acute conditions.
Kenya currently imports more than 80 per cent of its pharmaceutical requirements, making local manufacturing a national priority.
Square Pharmaceuticals believes expanding local pharmaceutical production will reduce import dependency, strengthen medicine security, improve affordability and ensure consistent availability of quality medicines.
Drawing from Bangladesh's journey to pharmaceutical self-sufficiency, Square Pharmaceuticals is committed to partnering with Kenya in building a resilient pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem serving Kenya and Africa.
Speaking during the visit, the management reiterated: “Kenya possesses the potential to become a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing hub for Africa. Through local production, technology transfer, skills development and strategic partnerships, we aim to contribute meaningfully towards reducing import dependence while ensuring affordable, quality medicines are accessible to millions of patients.”
The company emphasised that local manufacturing supports employment, technology transfer and stronger healthcare value chains.
The visiting diplomats commended the investment, world-class
infrastructure and contribution towards improving healthcare access while
enhancing Kenya's industrial capacity.
