Bio Usawa CEO and President, Dr. Menghis Bairu (L), and Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Kenya's Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation.

Last week in Nairobi, our President and CEO, Dr. Menghis Bairu, met with Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation at Kenya’s State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, to discuss opportunities to strengthen Kenya’s capacity to manufacture biologics and develop the talent needed to support this growing industry.

The conversation highlighted the importance of building the scientific expertise, manufacturing capacity and institutional strength needed to develop a sustainable biotechnology industry. Kenya’s commitment to investing in these areas, while bringing together government, research institutions, manufacturers and international partners, is an important part of that journey.

A key area of discussion was practical, hands-on training that can prepare professionals for the realities of working in biologics manufacturing. Our recently signed collaboration agreement with Kenya BioVax Institute is a promising step in that direction.

Kenya has an opportunity to play a leading role in strengthening Africa’s biotechnology capabilities, not only through manufacturing, but also through the knowledge, skills and institutions that will support the industry across the continent.

We look forward to continuing the conversation and contributing to partnerships that can help turn this ambition into practical results.

Dr. Menghis Bairu (L) and Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak during their meeting in Nairobi last week