Kenya and Indonesia are expanding cooperation on local vaccine manufacturing.
Health CS Aden Duale says technology transfers between BioVax and Indonesia’s Bio Farma will help Kenya build local vaccine capacity.
Kenya and Indonesia are strengthening a vaccine production partnership to expand local manufacturing and reduce reliance on imported medicines. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said technology transfers between the countries would help Kenya develop local vaccine processing capacity.
The cooperation brings together the Kenya BioVax Institute and Indonesia’s state-owned pharmaceutical company, PT Bio Farma. Duale said their collaboration would also support long-term health security in Kenya and the wider East African region.
He spoke during Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations at the Indonesian ambassador’s residence in Nairobi. Duale represented Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi at the event.
Vaccine production partnership targets local processing
Duale said the ongoing transfer of advanced biomanufacturing technology would help Kenya begin local fill-and-finish processing for vaccines. The initiative forms part of Kenya’s efforts to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and cut dependence on imported medical products.
Beyond vaccine manufacturing, the two countries are also working together on pharmaceutical regulation. Duale cited alignment between Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board and Indonesia’s National Agency of Drug and Food Control.
He said the arrangement aims to improve access to high-quality generic medicines. It would combine Indonesia’s pharmaceutical production expertise with Kenya’s manufacturing and export incentives.
The cooperation could also help establish a competitive regional hub for essential medicines, Duale said. These products would target both infectious and non-communicable diseases.
He described affordable, safe healthcare as a central part of Kenya’s development agenda. As Kenya seeks greater control over its medicine supply, he said Indonesia remained a trusted partner.
Trade and investment opportunities expand
Meanwhile, Indonesian Ambassador Witjaksono Adji said the countries wanted to broaden their economic relationship beyond diplomatic engagement. He put bilateral trade at approximately $690 million last year.
Adji identified further opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, energy, aviation, industrial development and the maritime sector. He also highlighted investment, downstream processing and value addition as areas for potential cooperation.
To support those links, the ambassador invited Kenyan businesses to the Indonesia Nairobi Expo on November 26 and 27. He said the event would help companies explore partnerships and develop business opportunities.
Healthcare businesses have already taken part in related engagements. Six Indonesian companies attended the World Health Expo in Nairobi, presenting pharmaceuticals, personal care products, herbal products and medical equipment.
Adji said their participation reflected Indonesia’s interest in commercial partnerships and stronger health systems. Duale also reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to broader cooperation, including renewable energy and capacity building.
