NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 25 – Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Friday called for more innovation in the pharmaceutical industry saying the sector could meet the country’s demand for medicine with more innovative technologies.
Speaking when he graced the inaugural Annual Kenya Healthcare Innovation Challenge Awards (KHICA) held at the United States International University (USIU)-Africa, the DP said Kenya cannot develop without innovation.
“The new world order calls for serious research and innovation. Those who don’t want to innovate will be left behind. With more research and innovation, we will be able to meet our pharmaceutical needs,” he said.
He said the government was keen on supporting research and innovative ideas and skills towards achievement of Vision 2030.
“The Government remains keen on financing research and innovations as well as provide incubation hubs to accelerate realisation of the Vision 2030. Most of our universities have been funded by the Ministry of Education over the years as innovation and incubation hubs under flagship projects towards Vision 2030,” he said.
While calling on health practitioners to create room for new ideas, he said the Kenya Kwanza government was ready to work with other players to create more jobs for the unemployed youths.
“In our quest as a government to create employment for our youth and grow their revenue streams, science and innovation is a sure path,” he added.
The DP challenged local universities to focus more on research and collaboration with local and global institutions for them to nurture and grow the country’s young innovators and researchers.
The Awards were organized by the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya in collaboration with the Kenya UK Healthcare Alliance—KUKHA.
Present were Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, who chairs the Council of Governors Health Committee, University Education Principal Secretary Simon Nabukwesi, USIU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Margee Ensign and the CEO of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya Dr. Lucas Nyabero.
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