The MEDS Microbiology Laboratory in Syokimau, Machakos County, was formally opened by H.E. President William Ruto and Health Cabinet Secretary Nakhumicha S. Wafula.
The brand-new building houses the first-ever faith-based World Health Organisation (WHO) prequalified laboratory in the world and is one of only two WHO prequalified quality control laboratories in Kenya.
The laboratory does excellent physicochemical testing of pharmaceuticals, microbiological testing of health items, medical device inspection, training, and distribution of consumables for testing labs.
Ruto highlighted the significance of strong investment in local pharmaceutical production and medical supplies. He emphasized that this step will enable Kenya to competitively manufacture drugs for the domestic market, enhancing universal access to quality healthcare.
The President stated that this initiative aims to reduce the country’s annual imports bill by KSh76 billion, elevate export earnings, generate more job opportunities, and foster long-term economic growth.
He also toured MEDs’ warehousing facilities, strictly adhering to the good distribution practices outlined by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
MEDS is an ecumenical partnership between the Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK) and the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) that provides faith-based health solutions. Delivering dependable, superior health products and technologies to church health institutions has been MEDS’s mission since its founding in 1986.
Also present was Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni, among other dignitaries.
