President William Ruto has pledged to deepen negotiations with international pharmaceutical manufacturers as part of government efforts to reduce the cost of essential medicines for Kenyans living with chronic diseases.
Ruto said the government was exploring ways to make medicines more affordable amid concerns over the financial burden faced by patients requiring long-term treatment.
Speaking during the conclusion of the two-day Kenya Health Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, the President also reaffirmed government support for local pharmaceutical manufacturers.
He said the government would work with local drug manufacturers to identify ways of reducing the cost of packaging materials, arguing that lower production expenses could eventually translate into cheaper medicines for consumers.
“To our local pharmaceutical manufacturers, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting your enterprises,” Ruto said, adding that the government would seek a “win-win solution” to lower packaging costs and make medicines more affordable.
The President also addressed persistent labour disputes within Kenya's devolved healthcare system, saying the national government would work with the Council of Governors and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission to resolve underlying remuneration challenges.
Ruto said the move was intended to help bring an end to recurring strikes by healthcare workers employed by county governments, which have repeatedly disrupted medical services across the country.
On healthcare financing, the President said the government would continue strengthening the Social Health Authority (SHA) while collecting and analysing data to improve its means-testing system.
He said the approach would help ensure that each Kenyan's contribution to healthcare financing is assessed fairly, as the government seeks to expand access to affordable healthcare.
The summit concluded with an interactive listening session where Ruto said Kenyans had an opportunity to directly share their experiences, concerns and expectations regarding the country's healthcare system.
He said the discussions reinforced the importance of individual choices in determining health outcomes, particularly dietary habits.
“Ultimately, our health begins with the choices we make every day, including what we eat,” Ruto said.
The commitments come as the government continues efforts to reform healthcare financing, improve access to medicines and address longstanding challenges affecting healthcare workers and patients across the country.