Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa and Axmed CEO
Emmanuel Akpakwu at a summit on strengthening access to medicinesHealth Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has rooted for partnerships with the private sector and international players to improve access to affordable and quality medicines.
The CS said ensuring that medicines reach every corner of Kenya efficiently and reliably is vital in guaranteeing the long-term sustainability of the government’s social health initiative.
“Without reliable access to affordable medicines, even the most sophisticated health interventions fall short,” Barasa said.
The CS affirmed that the government is prioritising coordinated supply chain systems, underpinned by digital technology and realtime data monitoring, to improve distribution, reduce waste, and enhance accountability.
“A resilient, technology-driven supply chain not only supports routine care but also strengthens our emergency response capabilities,” she said.
Barasa made the remarks at the inaugural Axmed Access Summit at a Nairobi hotel
During the meeting, Axmed Medicines Platform—a marketplace designed to make high-quality, affordable medicines available in low- and middle-income countries—was launched.
The platform leverages innovative technology to bridge the gap between high-income market manufacturers and the healthcare needs of developing regions.
The platform is open to all qualified procurers and aggregates demand across healthcare providers, hospitals, and governments.
“For suppliers, it streamlines the procurement process and enhances transparency and reliability, ensuring medicines reach the communities that need them most,” said Axmed CEO Emmanuel Akpakwu.
Barasa maintained that the Kenya Kwanza administration envisions a future where every citizen, from urban centers to rural villages, benefits from a health system that is efficient, equitable, and resilient.
“At the core of this vision is our unwavering commitment to ensuring access to life-saving medicines,” she stated.
She added that to ensure medicines reach every corner of Kenya efficiently and reliably, the government is prioritising coordinated supply chain systems, underpinned by digital technology and real-time data monitoring to improve distribution, reduce waste, and enhance accountability.
She further stated that a resilient, technology-driven supply chain not only supports routine care but also strengthens emergency response capabilities.
“The role of the private sector and international partners is crucial in this journey. The Gates Foundation and other global health organisations have been invaluable in supporting Kenya’s health access initiatives,” she said.
“Axmed’s business-to-business marketplace for medicines exemplifies how technology can revolutionise procurement. By automating and streamlining supply chains, this platform ensures affordability, efficiency, and transparency. Such innovations bolster the Kenya Kwanza administration’s efforts to build a health system that prioritises accessible and affordable care for all Kenyans,” Barasa said.
With funding from the Gates Foundation and venture backer Founderful, Axmed is driving systemic change to improve access to essential medicines for underserved populations.
