Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has said that the Kenya Biovax vaccine manufacturing plant will be installed at a cost of Sh2.5 billion.
Speaking during the Editors' retreat in Malindi on Thursday, the CS said the equipment will be set up at the current Kemsa grounds, in Embakasi.
"We have taken three godowns where the equipment is going to be put. We are in the process of renovating those godowns, changing the place, and securing the area. We are not going to put up new buildings, for now. We will use what we have so that the money we have Sh2.5 billion will be used for installation of the equipment alone," Kagwe said.
He said Kenya Biovax is the government organisation that will be involved with the manufacturing of vaccines.
He added that the manufacturing will include other vaccines that can be made in the country.
"We are not only talking about Covid-19 vaccines, but we are also talking about other vaccines; Polio vaccines, Malaria vaccines and all the vaccines that we can make in the country," the Health CS said.
"Vaccine manufacturing is not a money-spinner itself so it is necessary for the government to do this. If you look at other countries such as South Africa, India with the serum institute, those organisations are essentially government-backed because it's the model that works."
Kagwe noted that the government is working to ensure local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals is something that is being done in Kenya.
He noted that only the best professional organisations will be involved in the production of these vaccines.
Kagwe said they will work with transparent people who will uphold global standards.
"We are going to work with the best on earth that I can guarantee that to Kenyans."
In December last year, the CS announced that Kenya would start manufacturing Covid-19 vaccines locally by April in an effort to cushion its citizens from future supply hitches.
Supply hitches had derailed efforts to vaccinate its adult population.
Edited by B. Marita
