Pharmaceutical research and development will be encouraged to support local production.
Efforts will be made to encourage the full development of local pharmaceutical manufacturing technology, including (a) the manufacture of active ingredients (basic chemicals), (b) the manufacture of pharmaceutical excipients, and (c) improved manufacture of appropriate packaging technology.
All pharmaceutical companies operating in Kenya will be expected to contribute to pharmaceutical research and development in terms of (a) funding, by redirection of the Development Levy from the Kenya Bureau of Standards to the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, (b) manpower development by re-directing the training Levy Funds, and (c) contract Research and Development to institutions and individual scientists. Companies will be encouraged to provide research grants.
Grants given for pharmaceutical research and development will be considered for tax relief.
The priority areas for drug research and development will be developed jointly with the Ministry of Health Division of Research and Development, the Division of Pharmacy, the Department of Veterinary Services (for veterinary drugs), and other concerned parties in universities, research institutions and the private sector. A current inventory of research in the field of drugs will be established.