The event, held in Ndenya, Kiambu County, marked the launch of the company’s new line of durable plastic event and everyday seats. The seats are designed to be durable, elegant, comfortable and affordable, catering to both event and daily use markets.

Dr. Rutto was accompanied by Director, Nairobi Region, Cynthia Nyawira and Chair, Kiambu Chapter, Richard Ndung’u.

Dr. Rutto commended New Dawn for its consistent growth and contribution to job creation over the years. He encouraged continued local investment, emphasizing the importance of the “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” agenda to strengthen the country’s manufacturing sector.

He also highlighted the importance of Export Processing Zones (EPZ) and (SEZ), noting that local manufacturers operating outside these zones should be granted similar incentives and benefits as those within EPZs and SEZs to promote fair competition.

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Only 20% of medicines consumed in Kenya are produced locally—creating a massive investment opportunity in the pharmaceutical sector,

Dr. Karanja was speaking during a high-level panel on “Africa Healthcare Megatrends” at the Equinox Outsourced Service China-Africa Business Forum, where he represented KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto.

He noted that while Kenya has the necessary raw materials and ingredients to manufacture medicinal drugs, the country still lacks the requisite technology and infrastructure. “What we need is investment in technology, not ingredients,” Dr. Karanja emphasized.

He encouraged international pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare investors—particularly those from China—to take advantage of Kenya’s investment-ready platforms, such as Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Processing Zones (EPZs). These zones offer a streamlined, cost-effective environment for setting up manufacturing operations, with favorable tax regimes, logistics support, and policy incentives.

“Kenya’s Special Economic Zones are purpose-built to help investors set up quickly, economically, and with ease of doing business at the center,” Dr. Karanja stated.

The panel discussion touched on the broader trends in Africa’s healthcare landscape, with panelists agreeing that Africa must move from being primarily an importer of medicines to becoming a continental producer—starting with countries like Kenya that already have the human capital and growing demand.

Dr. Karanja reaffirmed KNCCI’s commitment to facilitating partnerships between Kenyan enterprises and international investors to help scale up pharmaceutical production, enhance healthcare access, and reduce import dependency.

The post Kenya Offers Huge Opportunity for Pharmaceutical Investment – KNCCI’s Dr. George Karanja Tells Africa Healthcare Forum appeared first on KNCCI.