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How new trade deal will limit Kenyans' access to affordable drugs

PSK officials led by CEO Dr Ratemo Ivy CEO at a press briefing in Nairobi. [Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard]

Kenya is facing a potential setback in access to affordable medicines as new clauses in the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) introduce five extra years of data exclusivity for multinational drug makers.

Experts warn that this could delay the entry of cheaper generic medicines, raise treatment costs and slow the growth of local pharmaceutical manufacturing, which currently accounts for just 30 per cent of the country’s supply.

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