The Association of Medical Engineering of Kenya (AMEK) today participated in the National Launch of the Local Manufacturing Strategy, a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening local production of health products and technologies in Kenya.
The event, held at the prestigious Ole Sereni Hotel, was presided over by Dr. Ouma Oluga and brought together key stakeholders from government, healthcare institutions, development partners, and industry associations.
AMEK’s Role in the Strategy Development
The Local Manufacturing Strategy was developed by the Directorate of Health Products and Technologies within the Ministry of Health, with AMEK actively contributing throughout the strategy development process.
The strategy seeks to strengthen Kenya’s capacity to locally manufacture health products and medical technologies, reduce dependence on imports, enhance national health security, promote innovation, and improve access to quality and affordable healthcare commodities.
AMEK Delegation at the Launch
AMEK was represented by a delegation comprising:
- Hon. Symon Mbakah – Chairman
- Hon. Hesbon Obaigwa – Secretary General
- Eng. Antony Chuani – Council Member
- Eng. Shukri Sugow – Council Member
Their participation underscored AMEK’s commitment to advancing medical engineering and healthcare technology development in Kenya.
High-Level Engagements with Government and Development Partners
On the sidelines of the event, AMEK leadership held strategic discussions with senior government officials and development partners, including:
- Dr. Ouma Oluga
- Dr. Nazila Ganatra
- Dr. Nancy Njeru
- Director, Cancer Prevention and Control – National Cancer Institute
- Rose Kihoto
- Dr. Joyce Charo
- Other healthcare and development sector stakeholders
These engagements focused on opportunities for collaboration, policy development, healthcare technology advancement, and strengthening Kenya’s biomedical engineering ecosystem.
Key Outcome: Further Engagement with the Ministry of Health
A significant outcome of the meeting was the directive from the Principal Secretary inviting AMEK leadership for further discussions at his office.
The upcoming engagements will focus on:
- Medical device regulation
- Medical Devices Policy
- Human resource development in biomedical engineering
- Strategic partnerships and collaboration
- Strengthening healthcare technology systems in Kenya
AMEK will continue to keep members informed of developments arising from these discussions.
Building a Stronger Healthcare Manufacturing Sector
The Local Manufacturing Strategy provides a clear roadmap for enhancing local production capabilities in the health sector. By fostering innovation, supporting domestic manufacturers, and strengthening regulatory frameworks, the strategy aims to improve healthcare resilience and ensure sustainable access to quality medical products and technologies.
AMEK remains committed to supporting initiatives that advance healthcare technology, biomedical engineering, and local manufacturing for the benefit of Kenya’s healthcare system.
