Local pharmaceutical manufacturer targets global market with first shipment

 SQUARE Pharmaceuticals Kenya officials flags off  a truck ferrying medicines to Somalia on Friday, September 20. [Standard, File]

A local pharmaceutical manufacturer is set to enhance Kenya’s global presence through new exports.

 SQUARE Pharmaceuticals marked a milestone with its first shipment from the Athi River plant on Friday.

The flag-off ceremony included officials from SQUARE Pharmaceuticals Kenya and Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) Director Dr. Iruki Kailemia.

The shipment consisted of 5,500 boxes of Angilock tablets, a medication for high blood pressure that combines two ingredients to help control blood pressure levels. Somalia will be the initial destination.

“This achievement reflects our dedication to providing high-quality healthcare solutions,” Kailemia said, noting plans to supply other African and European countries from the plant.

The firm has operated in Kenya since 2004, with its manufacturing facility opening in 2023.

Kailemia said the export will boost confidence in Kenyan-made pharmaceuticals among local healthcare professionals.

'This export demonstrates that local pharmaceuticals can meet international standards,” he added.

 The company employs 250 local workers and plans to increase the number to 1,000 as operations grow, with plans for a line of liquid medications and injections.