Second Meeting of the Japan–Kenya Joint Technical Working Group on Health

On 11 March 2026, H.E. Mr. Hori, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Japan in Kenya, attended the second meeting of the Japan–Kenya Joint Technical Working Group on health at the Ministry of Health of Kenya, in the presence of Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services. The meeting aimed to promote cooperation on local manufacturing in the health sector between Japan and Kenya.

This meeting followed the first meeting held on 3 February 2026. Building on the previous discussions, participants engaged in more focused exchanges on specific challenges and potential solutions.

During the meeting, discussions centered on regulatory and approval systems for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The Japanese side shared key challenges faced by Japanese companies operating in Kenya, based on consultations with them, including a lack of transparency in regulatory processes and unpredictability in approval timelines.

In response, Principal Secretary Oluga expressed readiness to work with relevant stakeholders to explore concrete solutions to each of the identified challenges. He also indicated the possibility of providing tailored support to companies considering local manufacturing. Furthermore, he outlined the Government’s intention to promote local manufacturing through measures such as improving the transparency and efficiency of regulatory processes and developing mechanisms to stimulate demand.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen Japan–Kenya cooperation in the health sector through this Technical Working Group, in a more concrete and results-oriented manner.