Kenya Airways Launches Ultra-Modern Pharma Facility at JKIA in Readiness for Covid-19 Vaccine Supply

Kenya Airways (KQ) has set up a cargo pharma facility at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi

The ultra-modern facility is expected to meet the global demand for pharmaceutical products with its initial use being supporting logistics for a potential Covid-19 vaccine.

Its launch comes at a time when the world is shifting focus on the safe and efficient global distribution of a Covid-19 vaccine in 2021.

KQ Cargo Director Dick Murianki said the facility allows the airline to offer an end-to-end logistics solution for the distribution of the vaccine.

“KQ Cargo has been laying the groundwork and working closely with pharmaceutical and medical customers to be ready to safely and effectively support their vaccines transportation needs to move efficiently once the vaccine is approved by the regulators,” he noted.

Since the outbreak of Covid-19 in Kenya in March, KQ has ferried more than 6,000 tonnes of medical equipment, essential goods, and supplies.

Murianki said the national carrier is prepared to play a major role in meeting global demand for medical supplies.

“The investment in the ultra-modern pharma facility, though coinciding with COVID-19 pandemic, is to further meet the demand of pharmaceutical products globally in preparation for the big task of transporting medicines, vaccines, blood samples, and temperature-sensitive cargo by having an end-to-end cold chain logistics solution,” he noted.

KQ Pharma will ensure safe handling of temperature controlled pharmaceuticals and other health care products in line with the IATA CEIV, GDP, and WHO guidelines.

In the long-term, KQ seeks to use the facility to help in reducing the disease burden in Africa by using its network to create treatment options on the continent.