Kenya’s Vaccine Breakthrough: Local Production Trials by 2027
Kenya plans to begin trials for its first locally produced human vaccines by the end of 2027, led by the Kenya BioVax Institute with Sh8 billion in World Bank funding.
This milestone targets immunizing over three million children against diseases like typhoid and pneumonia, addressing past supply shortages exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Dr Charles Githinji, chairman of the board of directors at the Kenya BioVax Institute, the first beneficiaries will be newborn babies, who will receive pneumonia vaccines once production begins.
In an established partnership with the World Bank and the Korean government, the institute is keen to ensure that the Embakasi-based plant is completed on schedule, as efforts continue to fast-track the project.
The Embakasi facility will meet global standards to ensure vaccine safety and efficacy.
Project Details and Timeline
The Kenya BioVax Institute, established in 2021, drives this initiative from its Nairobi base, with production equipment arriving soon to enable commercial output.
Dr Wesley Rono, Chief Officer at the Kenya BioVax Institute, said the manufacturing plant is estimated to produce about six million immunization vaccines monthly, in line with global standards, amounting to 72 million vaccines annually.
“The focus here will be on those vaccines that are critical for our immunization programs,” said Dr Rono.
Initial vaccines will focus on typhoid and pneumonia, expanding later to tetanus, hepatitis B, polio, cholera, Ebola, insulin, anti-venoms, chickenpox, and measles.
Institute Chair Dr. Charles Githinji highlighted the project’s progress at a Naivasha stakeholder meeting, confirming readiness for 2027 trials.
“Together with my board and management of Biovax, we have a strategy and a plan by the end of 2027 we shall be able to come here to inaugurate the release of the first batch of vaccines. It’s the first of its kind in Kenya. Not even the private sector is doing vaccine production. So we are setting a stage,” said Dr Githinji.
Reducing Import Dependence
Kenya currently spends Sh15 billion yearly on donor-funded vaccines, covering over 80% of needs, but middle-income status threatens GAVI support.
Local production aims for health sovereignty, cutting costs and targeting Africa’s vaccine market, projected at USD 2.4-5.6 billion by 2030.
The Africa CDC notes 98% of continental vaccines are imported, making Kenya’s push vital for regional self-reliance.
Vision 2030 Chair Emmanuel Nzai praised the effort for advancing Universal Health Coverage by lowering costs and improving access for vulnerable groups.
Kenya eyes regional hub status amid threats like mpox and Ebola, with plans to list on the Nairobi Securities Exchange for expansion.
Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga reinforced government commitment through partnerships for technology transfer.
Ramesh Govindaraj, Lead Specialist in the Health, Nutrition, and Population Global Practice at the World Bank, noted that the initiative aligns with the African Union Agenda 2063, which aims for Africa to produce 60% of its pharmaceutical needs by 2040.
He highlighted that Ethiopia and Kenya are the first countries on the continent to join the program, which will see 12 countries benefit from USD 1.5 billion toward constructing manufacturing plants.
According to Dr Benard Olayo, Senior Health Specialist at the World Bank, Kenya will benefit from USD 120 million of the USD 1.5 billion.
“This program covers 11 countries already, but Kenya is one of the initial beneficiaries,” said Dr Olayo, describing the amount as a significant contribution toward achieving the country’s vaccine manufacturing goals.