By Michelle Ndaga
Kenya is making significant strides in advancing its Vision 2030 development agenda through two major initiatives: expanding local vaccine manufacturing and strengthening engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
This week, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, toured the Kenya BioVax Institute in Nairobi, where he was received by Board Chair Dr. Charles Githinji, Acting CEO Dr. Cecilia Wanjala, and Vision 2030 Chairperson Dr. Emmanuel Nzai.
The visit underscored BioVax’s critical role in positioning Kenya as a regional hub for vaccine production.
Dr. Oluga noted that the government’s objective is to achieve vaccine self-reliance, reducing dependency on imports while ensuring consistent supply for national immunization programs.
He emphasized that BioVax’s expansion will not only strengthen health security but also create jobs, support Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and align with Vision 2030’s twin pillars of healthcare and manufacturing.
At the same time, Kenya is stepping up preparations for the IAEA General Conference scheduled for September 15–19, 2025, in Vienna. A preparatory meeting chaired by Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira convened government agencies to deliberate on nuclear energy innovations and regulatory frameworks.
Dr. Oluga stressed the importance of nuclear applications in expanding cancer treatment, particularly radiotherapy, while calling for a whole-of-government approach to harness atomic innovations in health, agriculture, power, and other sectors.
He underlined that Kenya’s active participation in the IAEA will enhance its capacity to adopt safe and sustainable nuclear technologies.
These initiatives reflect Kenya’s broader strategy to build resilience, drive industrial growth, and secure long-term health and energy solutions.
