On March 28, 2025, the Kenya Healthcare Federation (KHF) held a strategic meeting with Novartis at their offices in Britam Towers, Nairobi. The engagement focused on strengthening partnerships and tackling shared challenges within Kenya’s pharmaceutical and healthcare landscape.

Key Discussion Areas:

• Novartis Restructuring in Africa:
  Novartis has moved from a regional model to a country-specific approach, with Kenya and Rwanda designated as priority countries. This shift was driven by economic pressures, forex instability, and regulatory hurdles in other African nations. KHF committed to supporting policy reforms that enhance Kenya’s investment appeal.

• Pharmaceutical Quality & Regulation:
  Both parties raised concerns about falsified medicines, over-the-counter sale of prescription drugs, and challenges from parallel imports. Novartis will highlight three urgent regulatory issues, while KHF will intensify advocacy through regional platforms and ongoing dialogue with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB).

• Universal Health Coverage (UHC) & Financing:
  Participants discussed the need for sustainable UHC, including the concept of nominal fees to replace zero-rating of health products. This would allow input VAT claims while ensuring affordability. KHF will incorporate this model into budget policy advocacy.

• Pharmaceutical Investment Risks:
  Novartis cited high investments in regulatory compliance and safety, which are threatened by unregulated imports. KHF pledged to support enforcement of PPB policies to protect the integrity of the sector.

• SHA Implementation Concerns:
  Gaps in stakeholder engagement, transparency, and system readiness were noted as key issues in the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA). KHF will push for data transparency and dual-system testing before full implementation.

Next Steps:

• Novartis to submit top 3 regulatory concerns.

• KHF to continue UHC and budget advocacy.

• Joint engagement with PPB on reforms.

• Feedback on SHA rollout to be submitted to the Ministry of Health.

• KHF to share schemes of work and explore commissioning a relevant sector study.

This collaboration signals a united front in ensuring quality, sustainable healthcare and a stronger pharmaceutical ecosystem in Kenya.