KEMSA CEO Joins African Health Leaders to Advance Stronger Pharmaceutical Regulation and Access

KEMSA CEO Dr. Waqo Ejersa joined health leaders, regulators and industry stakeholders at the 6th PharmaReg AfriSummit 2026 in Nairobi, as Africa stepped up conversations on building stronger regulatory systems that protect patients while accelerating access to quality Health Products and Technologies.

Held under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and the patronage of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), the summit brings together regulatory authorities, policymakers, industry and innovators from across Africa to advance regulatory harmonisation, local manufacturing, innovation and market access.

The discussions centred on a clear principle: strong regulation should not create unnecessary barriers to access. It should build trust, enable innovation, support local manufacturing and ensure safe, quality and effective health products reach patients.

PPB Chair Dr John Munyu highlighted ongoing reforms to strengthen Kenya’s regulatory system and build confidence across the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Principal Secretary, State Department for Medical Services, Dr Ouma Oluga, underscored the need to strengthen capacity for research and innovation, noting that effective regulation depends on understanding the products and technologies being regulated.

Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale called for greater alignment of regulatory systems across Africa to reduce duplication, strengthen oversight and improve access to quality Health Products and Technologies.

The summit also highlighted the need to build regulatory capacity, strengthen research and development, enable local pharmaceutical manufacturing, accelerate safe and efficient product approvals, expand digital traceability and attract investment into Africa’s health-products ecosystem.

From regulation to access. From conversation to action. From systems to patients.