Korean Bank to Support Kenya in Setting Up Human Vaccine Factory

The Exim Bank of Korea has pledged to support Kenya’s bid to set up a human vaccine production plant.

In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Health said the bank has already received a green light from the Korean government to support the initiative.

“A meeting between Health CS Mutahi Kagwe and Exim Bank of Korea Director Ms. Minnie Chey & senior Korean government officials revealed that the bank has already received approval to support the initiative,” the statement read.

Minnie Chey, the Director of Exim Bank of Korea said they are working on modalities for a feasibility study that will inform the extent of support.

CS Kagwe while welcoming the move urged the Korean bank to consider extending support to local manufacturers.

“Kenya remains committed to realizing self-sufficiency in the production of healthcare goods and a regional leader in pharmaceutical products,” said Kagwe.

“The country is well-positioned to manufacture for the regional market. So, there is a need to not only support the manufacture of vaccines but other products as well.”

The government has rolled out the first phase of the project involving the setting up of basic infrastructure of physical space within the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) premises in Embakasi, Nairobi which will host the fill and finish facility.

The last phase includes the establishment of a full-fledged bulk antigen production facility, biological products research and development center, and capacity building with a focus on research and development.