Kenya Country and AVEC Africa Project Office

The Kenya Country and AVEC Africa Office serves as a dedicated platform to deepen IVI’s collaboration with the Government of Kenya, national research institutions, universities, manufacturers, and other partners.

Background

Kenya is an important partner in IVI’s work to strengthen vaccine research, development, manufacturing, and workforce capacity. The country formally joined IVI as a State Party in May 2024 and in June 2024 President William S. Ruto led a flag-raising ceremony at IVI Headquarters in Seoul to mark Kenya’s accession and reaffirm the country’s commitment to vaccine research, innovation, and health security.

On November 26, 2024, the International Vaccine Institute and the Government of the Republic of Kenya signed a memorandum of understanding to establish and operationalize IVI’s country and AVEC Africa project office in Kenya. This partnership was further strengthened in May 2026, when IVI and the Government of Kenya signed a Host Country Agreement at the State House in Nairobi. The agreement formalized IVI’s presence in Kenya and established a framework for collaboration in vaccine research and development, translational and field research, product innovation, workforce development, and technology transfer.

The Host Country Agreement was signed by Dr. Jerome H. Kim, Director General of IVI, and H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, presided by H.E. Dr. William S. Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya. Photo courtesy of the Government of Kenya.

Country Office Leadership

Professor Faith Osier was appointed inaugural Director of the Kenya Country and AVEC Africa Project Office in August 2026. An internationally recognized immunologist and vaccinologist, Prof. Osier brings extensive experience in vaccine research, scientific leadership, and capacity development. She oversees IVI’s operations in Kenya in close partnership with Kenyan government authorities, research and academic institutions, industry, IVI’s Africa Regional Office, and other partners.

Advancing Vaccine End-to-End Capabilities in Africa

The Kenya office also serves as the project office for the Advancing Vaccine End-to-End Capabilities in Africa (AVEC Africa) initiative. Launched at the 37th African Union Summit in February 2024 during a side event co-hosted by the Government of Kenya and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the initiative is designed to accelerate vaccine research, development, and manufacturing across the continent by connecting and enhancing African institutions and expertise across the vaccine value chain.

AVEC Africa’s key areas of focus include:

  • A partnership with vaccine manufacturer Biovac in South Africa to facilitate the technology transfer and clinical trials of a simplified version of IVI’s oral cholera vaccine—the first end-to-end oral cholera vaccine production in Africa.
  • A collaborative project with South African biotechnology company Afrigen Biologics and CEPI, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, to develop a Rift Valley fever vaccine.
  • The Advancing Research Capacity in West Africa project is building a regional network of sustainable clinical sites in West Africa to facilitate the development of a vaccine against Lassa fever.
“Through our collaboration with the International Vaccine Institute and the establishment of the AVEC Africa Project Office in Kenya, we are taking a bold step towards strengthening our local vaccine manufacturing capacity, improving health outcomes, and safeguarding our nation against future health crises. This partnership is an integral part of our ongoing efforts to enhance research and development, foster innovation, and create a self-sufficient healthcare system.”

Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Kenya (2024)