NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to expanding collaboration with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) in vaccine research, development, and manufacturing partnerships.
Speaking after talks with IVI Director-General Jerome Kim at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto said Kenya’s partnership with the global health organization had grown steadily over the past two decades and recently resulted in Kenya’s election to the vice-presidency of the IVI Global Council and membership on the Board of Trustees.
“We have had a strong partnership with the IVI for over 20 years. This relationship has blossomed and recently culminated in the election of our country to the vice-presidency of the IVI Global Council and consequently to the Board of Trustees,” Ruto said.
The President said the government would continue working with IVI in key areas, including vaccine research and development, clinical trials, manufacturing collaborations, regulatory strengthening, and capacity building for health personnel.
According to President Ruto, the partnership will also support cooperation between IVI and Kenyan research and regulatory institutions, among them the Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kenya Biovax Institute, and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.
The engagement comes as Kenya seeks to strengthen local pharmaceutical production and reduce dependence on imported vaccines and medical products.
The government has, in recent years, prioritized investments in biotechnology, vaccine manufacturing, and public health research as part of broader health sector reforms.
Health experts say partnerships with global research institutions are critical in enhancing Africa’s preparedness for future pandemics and disease outbreaks.
Kenya has increasingly positioned itself as a regional hub for medical research and vaccine innovation, leveraging institutions such as KEMRI and emerging local manufacturing initiatives.
The collaboration with IVI is also expected to support ongoing efforts to improve regulatory standards and expand scientific expertise within Kenya’s health sector.
The International Vaccine Institute is an international organization dedicated to vaccine discovery, development, and delivery, particularly for low- and middle-income countries.
