Editor's Review
Kenya has secured two key appointments to the African Medicines Agency (AMA) Technical Committees.
Kenya has secured two key appointments to the African Medicines Agency (AMA) Technical Committees.
In a statement on Friday, November 6, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) said two of its experts had been selected to serve in the continental agency’s technical structures.
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According to PPB, the announcement was made during the Agency’s inaugural week in Kigali, Rwanda, which brought together stakeholders to discuss the future of medicines regulation in Africa.
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"The appointments were announced during the Agency’s inaugural week in Kigali, Rwanda, held under the theme 'Building Africa’s Regulatory Future Together: From National Strength to Continental Impact'," the statement read.
Dr Ali Abdulahi Arale, the Acting Director of Medical Products and Health Technologies at PPB, was appointed to the Technical Committee on Evaluation of Medicines, Vaccines and Biologicals.
Edward Abwao was appointed to the Technical Committee on Clinical Trials Oversight and Good Clinical Practice. In a further recognition of Kenya’s regulatory expertise, Abwao was also elected Chairperson of the same committee.
Dr Arale brings more than 25 years of professional experience, including 15 years in medicines regulation. His areas of expertise include the assessment of medicines and vaccines, regulatory inspections and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
The PPB highlighted his wider experience in different aspects of medicines regulation, including registration and international regulatory collaboration.
"His experience also covers health product registration, regulatory reliance, joint scientific reviews, capacity strengthening and emergency use authorisation," the statement further read.
Abwao, on the other hand, has more than 22 years of experience in medicines regulation and has played a role in developing and establishing Kenya’s clinical trials regulatory framework.
His appointment as chairperson places him in a leadership position within the continental committee responsible for strengthening the oversight of clinical research and ensuring compliance with established regulatory standards.
"His expertise extends to clinical trials oversight, post-marketing surveillance, pharmacovigilance and regulatory systems strengthening," the statement noted.
The African Medicines Agency was established under the AMA Treaty to strengthen regulatory systems and promote harmonisation of medical product regulations among African countries.
Its Technical Committees provide independent scientific advice on the evaluation of medical products, including medicines, vaccines and diagnostics, as well as the oversight of clinical trials.
"Their work supports evidence-based regulatory decisions, harmonised standards and stronger regulatory systems across African countries," the statement concluded.
This comes days after Professor Phoebe Okowa was elected as a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a nine-year term running from February 6, 2027, to 2036.
Okowa was among five candidates elected to serve on the United Nations' principal judicial organ, alongside Dapo Akande of the United Kingdom, François Alabrune of France, Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud of Jordan and Rena Lee of Singapore.
Following the election, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’Oei welcomed Okowa's victory, describing it as a moment of immense pride for Kenya and congratulating the other successful candidates.
"It is with immense pride that I welcome the election of Judge Phoebe Okowa to the International Court of Justice for the 2027-2036 term, and congratulate Judges from the UK, France, Singapore and Jordan on joining the Court," he wrote.
Sing’Oei said Okowa's election demonstrated the confidence the international community had placed in her ability to serve at a critical moment for international justice.
"Judge Okowa’s election reflects the confidence of the international community in her capacity to serve the Court at this consequential time," he added.
Sing'Oei also acknowledged the countries that participated in the voting process, thanking members of the UN General Assembly and Security Council for supporting the election.
"We deeply aporeciate members of both the General Assembly and Security Council for their votes. We are equally indebted to Sierra Leone, Korea and Ecuador for withdrawing their candidatures after the third round and helping avoid a protracted electoral process," he further said.
