Kenya inks Sh6.5 billion deal with China for construction of vaccines and drugs factory
Project will position Kenya as a continental leader in health product manufacturing
Kenya has signed a Sh6.5 billion (US$500) million with China for the establishment of local vaccine and pharmaceutical production hubs using Chinese technology.
The joint initiative seeks to strengthen Kenya’s supply chains, reduce import dependency, create employment in line with the government’s development agenda, and position Kenya as a continental leader in health product manufacturing—a vision expected to become a reality by 2028 with support from the Chinese government.
This was revealed when Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale held a strategic engagement with a Chinese delegation led by Ambassador Guo Haiyan.
Underscoring the project as a gateway for deeper collaboration, Duale welcomed China’s offer of 500 scholarships and 20 annual health exchange programs as a key investment in Kenya’s future health leadership.
He also sought Chinese support to transition from donor-dependence to co-investment in healthcare innovation. Briefing the delegation on Kenya’s ongoing health sector reforms, particularly the Social Health Authority (SHA),
Duale proposed the establishment of a Kenya–China Health Cooperation Taskforce to harmonise priorities, fast-track MoUs, and monitor progress.
He also commended China’s ongoing support through technology firms like Huawei, which have been instrumental in equipping rural health facilities and training thousands of health workers.
Also present were Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni and Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth.
