Kenya’s First Vaccine Set for Production by 2026
Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Mr. Harry Kimtai, led a crucial meeting with key stakeholders to address challenges and fast-track the project’s progress.

The Ministry of Health is making significant strides toward achieving a milestone in Kenya's healthcare sector with the implementation of the World Bank-funded Health Emergencies Preparedness, Response, and Resilience Project. Photo/Ministry of Health.
The Ministry of Health is making significant strides toward achieving a milestone in Kenya’s healthcare sector with the implementation of the World Bank-funded Health Emergencies Preparedness, Response, and Resilience Project.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Harry Kimtai, led a crucial meeting with key stakeholders to address challenges and fast-track the project’s progress.
The meeting brought together CEOs and directors from critical health agencies, including the Kenya Biovax Institute Ltd, Pharmacy and Poisons Board, National Quality Control Laboratories, and the National Public Health Institute.
These organizations are integral to the success of the ambitious project, which aims to produce Kenya’s first locally manufactured vaccine by December 2026.
Discussions focused on overcoming hurdles in the project’s execution, particularly in regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, capacity building, and resource mobilization.
Participants acknowledged the complexity of the task but emphasized the need for actionable solutions to ensure the project stays on track.
“We are committed to ensuring that Kenya achieves self-reliance in vaccine production,” said Mr. Kimtai. “This project is not only about responding to health emergencies but also about building resilience in our healthcare systems.”
The Health Emergencies Preparedness, Response, and Resilience Project, supported by the World Bank, is a cornerstone of Kenya’s strategy to enhance its capacity to manage public health crises.
By fostering collaboration between government institutions and other stakeholders, the project seeks to reduce dependency on imported vaccines, a move seen as both economically strategic and crucial for timely responses to health emergencies.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the development of actionable proposals designed to accelerate project implementation. These proposals are expected to streamline regulatory processes, enhance infrastructure, and bolster workforce training to support vaccine production.
If successful, the initiative will position Kenya as a regional leader in vaccine production, with the potential to supply vaccines not only locally but also to neighboring countries.
The project aligns with Kenya’s broader vision of achieving universal health coverage and reducing vulnerability to health emergencies.
As the December 2026 deadline approaches, stakeholders are optimistic that with concerted efforts and adequate resources, the goal of producing the country’s first vaccine will become a reality.