Naivasha, Kenya – February 19-21, 2024 – The Kenya BioVax Institute Limited successfully hosted a Stakeholder Mapping and Consultative Meeting at Lake Naivasha Resort, bringing together key players in vaccine production, research, and public health.
Mount Kenya University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, commended the initiative, emphasizing its role in fostering collaboration among stakeholders. He highlighted MKU’s active participation in research led initiatives, led by Dr. Henry Yatich, the Principal, College of Graduate Studies and Research, in fostering stakeholder interests alignment with the Biovax strategic goals in vaccine production, research, and development. The stakeholder meeting which was attended by MKU’s Dr. Bernard Kanoi, discussed among other issues the following;
Primary goals of the stakeholder engagement:
- Mapping key stakeholders in the biologics and vaccine sectors.
- Identifying strategic partnerships for vaccine production and distribution.
- Discussing the role of stakeholders in advancing public health initiatives in Kenya.
- Exploring opportunities for collaboration in research, innovation, and policy development.
Participants identified crucial stakeholder categories, including:
- Government Agencies: Ministry of Health, Ministry of Industrialization, and relevant regulatory bodies.
- Research Institutions: Universities, research centers, and think tanks specializing in biologics and vaccine research.
- Private Sector: Pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and vaccine manufacturers.
- Civil Society: NGOs, community-based organizations, and advocacy groups.
- Academia: Universities and institutions offering programs in biologics and public health.
The discussions underscored the importance of forming strategic partnerships to enhance Kenya’s vaccine production capabilities. Key recommendations included:
- Collaborating with international organizations for technology transfer and capacity building.
- Engaging local manufacturers to strengthen domestic vaccine production.
- Supporting startups to build a sustainable vaccine production ecosystem.
- Partnering with research institutions to drive innovation in vaccine development.
Additionally, participants stressed the need for a strong policy and regulatory framework, ensuring alignment with national health policies, adherence to international standards, and bolstering regulatory bodies to oversee vaccine quality and safety. A three-phase action plan was proposed:
- Phase 1: Develop a stakeholder engagement strategy, including communication plans and formalized partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). MKU is set to further discussions with KBI to develop an MoU focusing on training, research, and development.
- Phase 2: Organize stakeholder workshops and forums to foster collaboration and address industry challenges.
- Phase 3: Monitor and evaluate stakeholder engagement to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
Next Steps
- Short-term: Finalize the stakeholder mapping report and present it to the Ministry of Health for approval.
- Medium-term: Initiate additional engagement activities, including workshops and partnership agreements. Plans are underway to establish the Kenya Biologics and Biomanufacturing Association (KeBBA) to advocate for industry interests.
- Long-term: Set up a stakeholder advisory board to provide ongoing guidance and support for KBI’s vaccine and biologics initiatives.
The consultative meeting marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s journey toward self-reliance in vaccine production and biologics, reinforcing the commitment of stakeholders to public health innovation and development, said Prof. Jaganyi.
