Uhuru Signs Deal Allowing US Firm to Open Ksh 57B Factory in Kenya

Prsident Uhuru Kenyatta attending the meeting between officials from the Ministry of Health and Moderna officials at State House on Monday, March 7, 2022.
President Uhuru Kenyatta attending the meeting between officials from the Ministry of Health and officials from Moderna at State House on Monday, March 7, 2022.
State House Kenya

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday, March 7, witnessed the signing of a deal between Kenya and US Company, Moderna at State House that will see the pharmaceutical giant establish a Ksh57 billion plant in Kenya.  

Moderna will invest Ksh57 billion (USD500 million) to set up the first mRNA in Africa. The facility will exclusively focus on drug substance manufacturing and is expected to produce up to 500 million doses of vaccines annually.

Moderna Chief Executive Officer CEO) Stéphane Bancel affirmed that his company was committed to partnering to provide a health solution adding that the investment the company was making in Kenya is crucial in ensuring global health equity.

Moderna CEO
Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel
Forbes

“Battling the COVID-19 pandemic over the last two years has provided a reminder of the work that must be done to ensure global health equity. 

"Moderna is committed to being a part of the solution and today, we announce another step in this journey – an investment in Kenya to build a drug substance mRNA manufacturing facility capable of supplying up to 500 million doses for the African continent each year,” Bancel remarked.

He added that the mRNA global public health vaccine program, including vaccine programs against HIV and Nipah, will ensure sustainable access to transformative mRNA innovation on the African continent.

Uhuru welcomed the deal, opining that the establishment would be a boost to the country, which has its eyes set on vaccine production. He added that it would be a game-changer, noting the challenges  African countries faced during the pandemic.

“We all know the challenges that Kenya and the entire continent of Africa went through in the earlier stages of this pandemic that resulted in Africa being left behind. Not because of want but because of lack and Moderna has come to fill that space.

"We are truly grateful, for this and I think it will be transformative not just in helping us with the current pandemic but also preparing the continent of Africa for future pandemics," the Head of State remarked.

Director for Africa Centre for Disease Control John Nkengasong stated that the setting up of the facility was critical to Africa’s security noting that the production of the vaccines would ensure the continent was able to tackle current and future health challenges.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe signed the MOU on behalf of the Kenyan Government while Shannon Klinger who is Moderna’s chief legal officer signed on behalf of the company.

Also present during the function was the Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua, Health Principal Secretary Susan Mochache and Director General of Health  Patrick Amoth, among other senior Government officials.

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe addresses the media at State House on Monday, March 7, 2022..jpg
Health CS Mutahi Kagwe addresses the media at State House on Monday, March 7, 2022.
State House Kenya
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