The Rise of Local Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Is Kenya Ready to Meet Demand?
As Kenya’s population grows and the burden of disease evolves, access to affordable and high-quality medicines has become a national priority. Historically, the country has relied heavily on pharmaceutical imports, with more than 70% of drugs sourced from foreign manufacturers. However, the tide is beginning to turn. Driven by the need for supply chain security, lower medicine costs, and greater healthcare independence, Kenya is witnessing the rise of local pharmaceutical manufacturing . Among the industry’s notable contributors is Jayesh Saini , founder of Dinlas Pharma , who has invested significantly in boosting domestic production capabilities. This article explores the state of Kenya’s pharmaceutical industry , the challenges and opportunities in local manufacturing , and whether the country is truly ready to meet its growing demand. 1. The Case for Local Pharmaceutical Manufacturing 1.1 Why Local Production Matters Import dependency exposes Kenya to global supply disruptio...