President Ruto wants Kenya to manufacture medical supplies locally

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto says Kenya is keen on investing in manufacturing of medical supplies.

Speaking on Monday during the commissioning of the CyberKnife Centre at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) in Kiambu County, Ruto said there is immense opportunity for investment in the medical supplies sector.

He said it breaks his heart that local pharmaceuticals and medical consumables, account for a paltry 20%.

He pledged to ensure his administration takes relevant measures to make Kenya the region’s pharmaceutical manufacturing hub.

“This will enhance access to affordable healthcare,” he indicated.

The President estimated the domestic market for pharmaceuticals and medical consumables at Sh110 billion a year.

On the Cyberknife Centre, Ruto said it is second of its kind in the continent after Egypt.

"This will revolutionise cancer treatment not only in Kenya but also in the region."

Profesa Olive Mugenda, the Chairperson of Board of Directors of the facility, said that the new medical technology is painless, less-invasive and low-risk.

The Head of State commended Mugenda and her team for the milestone and pledged to support the facility further.

He said the government will help in the completion of the stalled Children Hospital and Paediatric Cancer Wing.