The Future of Drug Manufacturing in Kenya: Can Local Pharma Reduce Dependency on Imports?
Kenya imports more than 70% of its pharmaceutical products, making the country highly vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions, foreign exchange fluctuations, and soaring drug prices . This dependency on imported medicines poses a significant challenge to healthcare affordability and access, particularly in low-income and rural communities. Amid these concerns, Kenya’s local pharmaceutical industry is gaining momentum. With rising demand for essential drugs, growing health needs, and supportive policy frameworks, domestic production is now seen as a critical pillar of healthcare resilience . At the center of this transformation is Jayesh Saini , founder of Dinlas Pharma , a company that has rapidly scaled up its manufacturing capacity to meet Kenya’s growing pharmaceutical demand. This case study examines the status of local drug manufacturing , Kenya’s regulatory and infrastructure challenges , and whether the country is positioned to reduce its reliance on imports through ...