Kenya’s contribution to vaccine self-reliance and regional health security received global recognition during the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) Global Council meeting held in Manila, Philippines.
The event, aimed at shaping the Institute’s long-term strategic direction, brought together IVI member states and partners to deliberate on future governance, review the draft 2027–2031 strategy, and strengthen collaboration on innovation, country partnerships, and local and regional vaccine development and manufacturing.
A key milestone for Kenya was its election as Vice-President of the IVI Global Council, alongside Brazil, as non-funding state representatives to the IVI Board of Trustees, effective November 2026.
From the Kenya BioVax Institute Limited ‘s perspective, this milestone aligns closely with Kenya’s ambition to build sustainable vaccine manufacturing capacity and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s vaccine self-reliance agenda.
Kenya’s representation by Dr. Wesley Ronoh, Chief Executive Officer of Kenya BioVax Institute, and Prof. Elijah Martim Songok, Acting Director General of Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), reflects a coordinated national approach that connects vaccine research, development, manufacturing, and policy leadership.
As BioVax advances Kenya’s local manufacturing agenda, engagement through IVI provides a valuable platform to deepen partnerships, strengthen technical capacity, and position Kenya as an active contributor to vaccine equity, regional manufacturing readiness, and public health impact.