KEPSA, represented by the Deputy CEO Mr Victor Ogalo together with KEPSA Director and Chair of Kenya Healthcare Federation (KHF) Dr Kanyenje Gakombe, on 14^th and 15^th November 2023 participated in a series of workshops on “Regulatory Convergence for Healthcare Products in East and Central Africa” organized by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) in collaboration with the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) in Nairobi.

Mr. Ogalo joined the panel on “Private Sector Recommendations on How to Advance Regulatory Convergence and Reliance for Medicines” where he shared insights on experiences in promoting investments into Africa’s pharmaceutical industry and harmonization of regulatory frameworks across Africa. Mr Ogalo was with Dr Vinod Guptan – KHF Director & Chair of Supply Chain Committee and MedSorce Group CEO, Ms Juliet Konje – U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Mr Maxwell Marx – PEPFAR, Dr John Mwangi – Bayer and Dr Meshack Odenyo – USAID in a session that was moderated by Johpaul Omollo – PATH. Dr. Gakombe, on the other hand, moderated the closing panel on “Private Sector Recommendations on How to Advance Regulatory Convergence and Reliance for Medical Devices”. 

The primary objective of these regionally-focused workshops is to foster discussions on the most effective regulatory practices for pharmaceuticals and medical devices, identify practical steps needed to strengthen regulatory oversight of pharmaceuticals and improve market access for these essential health products in the region. The overarching goal is promoting harmonization with international standards and achieving convergence in healthcare regulatory systems to increase investments into the sector.