Kenya BioVax Institute Limited

22/09/2025

Once adopted and utilized, mRNA technology will let Kenya BioVax Institute Limited move from sequence to vaccine candidate in weeks, run flexible cell-free production in modular facilities, reuse the same platform across multiple products to cut costs and time-to-market, build sovereign process/Quality Control/regulatory capability, strengthen regional supply chains, and reduce import dependence—advancing health security and Kenya/AU industrialization goals while expanding equitable vaccine access.

Kenya BioVax Institute extends sincere appreciation to the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) for championing equitable access through transparent licensing and for its pivotal role in the World Health Organization (WHO) mRNA Technology Transfer Programme.



Africa CDC

19/09/2025

PS Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga made a case to American investors to consider partnering with the government and investing in the Kenya BioVax Institute Limited, which is among the first of its kind in the region.

The PS was speaking at an event organised by the Kenya Vision 2030, at the Dalberg offices in Washington, DC. He outlined the important steps the government has put in place by availing resources to lay down the initial infrastructure and staffing of the institute, pointing out that the investors can leverage on the government’s goodwill and venture into this initiative early enough, pointing out that returns are guaranteed since they stand to gain from a ready market.

The PS highlighted the incentives the government has put in place including tax relief and duty exemptions on medical related supplies and equipment.

Speaking at the same investment, Ag. Biovax CEO Dr Cecelia Wanjala noted that Africa has a huge vaccine need, to the tune of 300 million doses annually, out of which only one per cent is currently being manufactured on the continent. Thus, the enormous potential investors stand to gain by partnering with Biovax is amplified.







The Ministry of Health

U.S. Embassy Nairobi Kenya

04/09/2025

Kenya BioVax Institute Limited, in collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service and the local community, participated in a tree planting exercise in County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet. This joint effort underscores our commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and environmental stewardship, as we work together to restore ecosystems, support the national tree restoration agenda, and contribute to the global fight against climate change.

The Ministry of Health

22/08/2025

Kenya BioVax Institute Limited hosted a workshop focused on ICT systems in pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing, underscoring its commitment to technological innovation in health solutions. The event also featured a sensitization session on the Data Protection Act, 2019, led by a representative from the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC), emphasizing the importance of data security and regulatory compliance. In attendance were representatives from key institutions including ISACA, ICT Authority, Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), Technical University of Kenya(TUK), Kippra Kenya and the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK), fostering cross-sectoral collaboration in digital health advancement.

22/08/2025

Ministry of Health, Vision 2030 Leadership Rally Support for Kenya BioVax Mandate

The Permanent Secretary of the State Department for Medical Services at The Ministry of Health, Dr. Ouma Oluga, paid a courtesy call to the Kenya BioVax Institute. During the visit, he held discussions with Dr. Charles Githinji, Chairman of the Board of Directors at BioVax, and the Acting CEO, Dr. Cecilia Wanjala. Also in attendance was Dr. Emmanuel Nzai, Chairperson of the Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery Board. The meeting served as a platform to reaffirm the government's support for local vaccine manufacturing and explore how BioVax can accelerate Kenya's journey toward health self-reliance.

The leaders discussed the critical role of Kenya BioVax in strengthening national health security, particularly in the wake of global health vulnerabilities. Emphasis was placed on aligning BioVax's vision with the broader goals of Kenya's Vision 2030, specifically under the Universal Health Coverage and Manufacturing Agenda. The presence of Vision 2030's leadership underscored the importance of integrated national planning and multisectoral collaboration to position Kenya as a regional leader in biopharmaceutical innovation and equitable vaccine access.

15/08/2025

At the 15th Best Practices Forum of the East Central and Southern Africa Health Community - ECSA HC), Dr. Rabera Kenyanya, Head of Technical Operations at Kenya BioVax, presented the long history of manufacturing in Africa, tracing its roots to 1930 in Kenya. Speaking under the sub-theme of “Driving Innovation & Resilience: Local Manufacturing for Health Security,” Dr. Kenyanya underscored the progress Kenya is making in building local vaccine manufacturing capacity through BioVax. She highlighted the vast opportunities for ECSA nations to scale local production — including in supporting industries such as active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing and packaging — and called for increased investment and harmonization of regulatory systems to facilitate broader market access. BioVax’s participation was particularly apt given its national mandate to spearhead Kenya’s vaccine self-reliance agenda and its alignment with regional efforts to strengthen health security through sustainable manufacturing.

15/08/2025

Strengthening Vaccine Security in a Changing Climate – BioVax Joins Global Health Dialogue

The 4th Annual Daystar University Scientific Conference, held from 13th–15th August 2025 under the theme “Climate Change for Planetary Health,” brought together leading experts, policymakers, and innovators to explore the link between climate change, health security, and sustainable development. One of the key highlights of Day 1 was the Global Health Security panel, where Dr. Serah Muteru, General Manager for Regulatory Affairs, Product Quality and Safety, represented the CEO of Kenya BioVax Institute. She joined other panelists in discussing how climate change influences disease patterns and the urgent need to build resilient, adaptable health systems.

From the BioVax perspective, the session was an opportunity to share the institute’s role in advancing vaccine security and pandemic preparedness in Kenya and across Africa. Dr. Muteru emphasized BioVax’s commitment to local vaccine manufacturing, robust regulatory frameworks, and strategic partnerships that align with Kenya Vision 2030 and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals. Her contribution reinforced the message that addressing climate-related health threats requires African-led innovation, strong regional collaboration, and sustainable investment in health infrastructure to protect present and future generations.

15/08/2025

BioVax Champions Local Manufacturing and UHC at Devolution Conference 2025

Kenya BioVax Institute Limited participated in the Devolution Conference 2025, held from 12th to 15th August in HOMA BAY Countywa, under the theme “For the People, For Prosperity: Devolution as a Catalyst for Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice.” Our engagement at this premier national platform reinforced our commitment to championing local manufacturing and advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as key drivers of equitable health access for all Kenyans. We showcased our progress in vaccine research, development, and manufacturing — demonstrating how the biopharmaceutical industry can enhance public health outcomes, create skilled jobs, and reduce import dependency.

Through this conference, we strengthened collaborations with county governments to establish sustainable vaccine supply chains, expand last-mile delivery, and explore county-based health manufacturing hubs. These partnerships will help boost immunization coverage and contribute to industrial growth, directly supporting the Manufacturing Pillar of Kenya’s Vision 2030. BioVax remains steadfast in working with national and county stakeholders to build a healthier, more resilient, and economically empowered Kenya. Together, we can make local vaccine manufacturing a cornerstone of national prosperity and public health security.

06/08/2025

The Kenya BioVax Institute Management Team, in collaboration with the Board of Directors, is currently participating in the Mid-Term Review of the Strategic Plan, taking place from 5th to 8th August 2025 at Lake Naivasha Resort. This retreat provides an opportunity to reflect on progress made, assess performance against strategic objectives, and realign institutional priorities to strengthen Kenya BioVax’s role in vaccine manufacturing and public health innovation. The review underscores the institute’s commitment to accountability, results-based management, and building a resilient pathway toward long-term sustainability and impact.

04/08/2025

Kenya BioVax Institute Limited participated in the two plenary sessions organized by Africa Health Business (AHB) during the Moroccan delegation's visit. The first session, focused on East Africa's Economic Landscape and Pharmaceutical Sector Insights, provided a timely overview of opportunities, trends, and challenges within the regional healthcare ecosystem. It offered a platform for stakeholders to reflect on the evolving landscape of local pharmaceutical manufacturing and the critical role of innovation and investment in strengthening health systems.

The second session convened regulators, procurement bodies, and technical experts from Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia to share insights into their respective regulatory and procurement frameworks. The comparative discussion fostered meaningful exchange on best practices and opened doors for deeper regional alignment. Kenya BioVax remains committed to cross-border collaboration, advancing sustainable access to vaccines and medical products.

We thank for facilitating this rich exchange and reaffirm our dedication to partnerships that drive Africa's health sovereignty agenda.

29/07/2025

Kenya BioVax Institute Limited participated in the opening ceremony of the BRITES Programme Stakeholder Planning Meeting today, hosted by the Kenya Institute of Primate Research - KIPRE. This two-day engagement brings together a powerful network of partners committed to building Kenya’s biologics innovation and manufacturing ecosystem. From key government institutions such as the The Ministry of Health, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Pharmacy and Poisons Board, and Medical Supplies Authority - KEMSA, to leading universities, the Science for Africa Foundation, and global collaborators like the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine - LSTM, today’s discussions were rich, forward-looking, and inspiring.

We are especially grateful for the remarks shared by PS Mary Muthoni Muriuki CBS, who emphasized the importance of investing in homegrown solutions that respond to local public health needs. PS Dr. Ouma Oluga, OGW, echoed this sentiment, stating that Kenya must move from being a consumer to a producer of essential health technologies. Our CEO (Ag), Dr. Cecilia Wanjala, shared BioVax’s commitment to this shared vision: “This meeting reaffirmed our collective resolve to position Kenya as a continental leader in biologics manufacturing. At BioVax, we are driven by the mission to deliver vaccines and biologics made in Africa, for Africa.”

We thank for hosting this impactful forum and look forward to tomorrow’s sessions, which will continue to shape Kenya’s biologics agenda. Together, we are building a resilient, innovative, and self-sufficient health future for our region. 🇰🇪🌍

29/07/2025

https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/opinion-analysis/columnists/how-the-media-can-advocate-africa-vaccine-independence-5135062

The public is more likely to connect emotionally with the process by giving a face to the effort, reducing skepticism and encouraging community buy-in for the coming locally produced vaccines.