Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga on Thursday met the Japan–Kenya Joint Technical Working Group (TWG) and Japan's Chargé d’Affaires, Hori Tomonobu, to review progress under the Kenya–Japan health cooperation framework, with discussions focusing on local pharmaceutical manufacturing, regulatory cooperation and health research.
During the meeting, Oluga welcomed Japan's commitment to mobilise Sh3 billion to support Kenya's local vaccine manufacturing agenda through the State Department for Medical Services and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).
He said the proposed support will strengthen vaccine research and manufacturing capacity through investment in modern research infrastructure and specialised skills development.
The meeting also reviewed progress towards implementing the Reliance Process to facilitate expedited regulatory review of medicines approved in Japan.
According to the State Department for Medical Services, discussions also covered initiatives to strengthen pharmaceutical regulatory harmonisation, combat substandard and falsified medical products, and support Kenya's pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem.
Those who attended the meeting included Japan Technical Advisor Kanako Okano, directors Nazilla Ganatra and Ahmed Omar, Prof. Oduor of the Kenya Biovax Institute, and representatives from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).
