Prof. Isaac Kibwage Joins National Leaders at 46th Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya Scientific Conference
Egerton University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Ongubo Kibwage, is among the distinguished healthcare leaders participating in the 46th Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) Annual Scientific Conference 2026 currently taking place in Mombasa County.
The conference was officially opened by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, under the theme, "Pharmacists Leading Transformation and Innovation Towards the Highest Attainable Standards of Health." The three-day annual forum has convened more than 800 delegates, bringing together pharmacists, healthcare professionals, researchers, regulators, policymakers, academics and industry leaders to deliberate on the future of pharmaceutical practice and healthcare delivery in Kenya.
The scientific conference provides a platform for reviewing progress within the pharmaceutical sector while addressing emerging challenges affecting healthcare. Delegates are engaging in high-level discussions on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), patient safety, pharmaceutical regulation, digital health technologies, local pharmaceutical manufacturing, medicine supply chain resilience, antimicrobial resistance and innovations that are transforming healthcare systems globally.
Prof. Kibwage's participation reflects his longstanding contribution to Kenya's pharmaceutical profession and health sector leadership. Before assuming office as Vice-Chancellor of Egerton University, he built a distinguished career as a pharmacist, pharmaceutical scientist, educator and academic leader. His extensive experience in medicines regulation and pharmaceutical governance has earned him national recognition as one of Kenya's leading professionals in the field.
Earlier in his professional career, Prof. Kibwage served as a Member of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board between 1988 and 1994, contributing to the country's medicines regulatory framework. He later chaired the Board's Committee on Drug Registration (Human Drugs) from 1997 to 2000, where he played an instrumental role in evaluation, registration and quality assurance of medicines entering the Kenyan market. He subsequently served as Chairperson of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), providing strategic leadership to Kenya's national medicines regulatory authority and advancing professional standards, national drugs policy, patient safety and public confidence in pharmaceutical services.
As Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kibwage has continued to champion research excellence, innovation, quality assurance and interdisciplinary collaboration across Egerton University. Although the University does not offer pharmacy degree programmes, it has continued to expand its contribution to Kenya's health sector through training in B.Sc. Medicine and Surgery, B.Sc. Nursing, B.Sc. Clinical medicine and other health-related disciplines, while promoting research that addresses national and global health challenges.
Photo Caption : Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale (foreground) engages delegates during the opening session of the 46th Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya Annual Scientific Conference 2026 in Mombasa County. Egerton University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac O. Kibwage is pictured at right. (Photo: Courtesy / Ministry of Health)
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale underscored the central role of pharmacists in strengthening Kenya's healthcare system, particularly in advancing Universal Health Coverage, improving access to quality medicines and embracing innovation to enhance patient outcomes. The conference aligns with the Ministry of Health's broader agenda of building resilient healthcare systems through collaboration, research and technology-driven solutions.
Prof. Kibwage's presence at the conference highlights the important role of universities in shaping healthcare policy, strengthening professional practice and supporting evidence-based decision-making. It also reinforces Egerton University's commitment to contributing to national development through research, innovation, strategic partnerships and the preparation of highly skilled health professionals capable of addressing Kenya's evolving healthcare needs.
The annual PSK Scientific Conference continues to serve as one of the country's premier platforms for professional exchange, fostering collaboration among academia, government, regulators and industry in pursuit of a healthier and more resilient Kenya.
