(Kisumu) – The Great Lakes University of Kisumu (GLUK) has formed a strategic partnership with Med Aditus Pharmaceuticals (MAP), a US-based pharmaceutical company, to provide advanced training in pharmaceutical manufacturing for its students. This collaboration is designed to equip graduates with the necessary skills to succeed in the growing pharmaceutical sector in Kenya.
As part of the agreement, MAP has secured a long-term lease for a 10-acre plot of land within the university’s campus in Miwani Ward, Muhoroni Sub County. The plot will be developed into a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical manufacturing facility that will serve as a practical training ground for students. This facility is expected to offer hands-on experience with modern manufacturing technologies, preparing students to meet the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the pharmaceutical industry.
Prof. Hazel Miseda, Vice Chancellor of GLUK, referred to the partnership as a transformative opportunity for both the university and its students. She highlighted that the collaboration will revolutionize training and research, positioning the university as a leader in pharmaceutical education in Kenya. Prof. Miseda noted that by leveraging cutting-edge technology, GLUK will enhance its learning process and provide students with a significant competitive advantage in the workforce.
“We are excited to welcome Med Aditus Pharmaceuticals, a company committed to advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies,” said Prof. Miseda. “This collaboration allows our students to gain invaluable practical experience with the latest innovations in the field, giving them a significant competitive edge as they enter the workforce.”
The university, in collaboration with its international partners, is also developing a customized pharmaceutical curriculum designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the demands of the evolving industry.
Med Aditus Pharmaceuticals’ CEO, Professor Dhiren Thakker, explained that the partnership would provide access to advanced research and help create a robust workforce ecosystem. This, he said, would address the growing need for highly skilled professionals in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. MAP plans to launch an education and training initiative in partnership with GLUK and other international universities to meet the demand for a skilled workforce as the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Kenya continues to grow.
“The universities train scientists, healthcare, and business professionals, making it easier to tap talent from this pool,” Prof. Thakker explained. “However, we will look for the best candidates across the country to engage at our facility.”
The new pharmaceutical plant in Kisumu is set to open in 2025, with mass production of affordable, high-quality medical drugs expected to begin by 2028. The facility will serve both Kenya and the broader East African region, further advancing the country’s position as a key player in the pharmaceutical sector.
Health specialist Professor Khama Rogo stated that Kisumu County is fortunate to host such a transformative project. He encouraged local communities to take advantage of the training opportunities offered through the initiative. Prof. Rogo emphasized the need for a new generation of industrial pharmacists to meet the demands of Kenya’s rapidly expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.
“The pharmacy industry in Kenya is facing a shortage of skilled industrial pharmacists, and this initiative will directly address that gap,” Prof. Rogo said.
Prof. Rogo also pointed out that Kenya’s health sector faces significant challenges related to human resources. He explained that many medical graduates do not meet the specific needs of the industry, which has contributed to a shortage of skilled professionals.
“This collaboration is a groundbreaking approach to bridging this gap by aligning academic training with industry requirements,” said Prof. Rogo. “This is the first programme of its kind, directly connecting the market or manufacturer with a university to prepare specialists who are ready to enter the workforce.”
The partnership is expected to play a vital role in addressing the issue of graduate unemployment by ensuring that students are well-prepared for the workforce.