(Kisumu) – Med Aditus Pharmaceuticals (MAP), a US-based pharmaceutical company, has announced the launch of a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Kisumu County, with an investment of KSh 1.6 billion. The plant, which will be located in Miwani Ward, Muhoroni Sub County, on a 10-acre site, is part of a broader effort to enhance local drug production and reduce Kenya’s reliance on imported medicines. Production at the facility is expected to begin in 2028, with the goal of distributing high-quality, affordable medicines throughout Kenya and the East African region.
Prof. Dhiren Thakker, the CEO of MAP, emphasized that the new facility aligns with the company’s mission to improve access to affordable, quality medicines in sub-Saharan Africa and foster the growth of local pharmaceutical industries. He noted that limited access to high-quality medicines remains a significant challenge across the continent, contributing to poor health outcomes.
“In Africa, fewer than 400 pharmaceutical manufacturers serve about 1.5 billion people, while countries like India have over 10,500 companies for a similar population size,” Prof. Thakker pointed out. This disparity highlights Africa’s dependence on imported drugs, which often leads to higher costs and limited availability. According to Prof. Thakker, modern medicine has helped improve life expectancy in wealthier nations, and it is essential for low-income countries in Africa to have equal access to these benefits.
“The availability of quality medicines has been shown to increase life expectancy by 10 to 20 years in developed nations,” Prof. Thakker explained, stressing the importance of making high-quality drugs affordable and accessible in low-income regions.
The new plant will incorporate cutting-edge technologies, including continuous modular manufacturing and blockchain-powered quality management systems. These innovations, which are a first for Sub-Saharan Africa, will allow the Kisumu facility to produce medicines at a larger scale, with faster production timelines and lower costs. The plant is expected to produce between 2 and 3 billion tablets annually, with a production rate of 5 to 10 minutes per unit, significantly faster than traditional methods, which can take months to complete.
MAP’s investment in advanced technology is also expected to lead to innovations in patient-centered solutions. The company hopes that these technological advancements will revolutionize treatments for various diseases, potentially replacing traditional drug therapies. The Kisumu plant will focus on producing medicines for pressing health issues, including HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, cancer, sickle cell disease, cardiovascular conditions, and diabetes.
Dr. Vincent Orinda, the Chairperson of the project taskforce, noted that the establishment of the plant in Kisumu marks a significant milestone for the county. He highlighted that the project would not only improve healthcare outcomes but also position Kisumu as a competitive player in global healthcare markets. Additionally, the plant is expected to provide job opportunities for the local community, contributing to the region’s economic development.
Ken Onditi, the Nyanza Regional Director of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed his support for the project, emphasizing its potential to boost the local economy. He pointed out that improved healthcare outcomes would lead to a healthier population capable of contributing more effectively to economic activities. Onditi also noted that the foreign investment would foster technology transfer, which would enhance professional expertise within the Kenyan healthcare sector.
Following a comprehensive evaluation of various locations across Sub-Saharan Africa, Med Aditus Pharmaceuticals chose Kisumu County for the plant. The decision was based on Kisumu’s strategic advantages, including its infrastructure, skilled labor, and supportive business environment. Other potential locations, such as Senegal and Rwanda, were also considered, but Kisumu emerged as the top choice.