Universal Corporation Ltd of Kenya has joined the ranks of highly reputable durg companies in Africa after been certified under the European PIC/S scheme, the company hopes to recieve the WHO certification later in the year. Universal Corporation has succeeded in opening doors to several more African countries where drug imports are regulated.

Its founders Pentti Keskitalo, Palu Dhanani and Raju Dhanani have expressed optimism that the company will meet its target of producing more affordable, quality drugs for African countries. The company was established by a Finnish engineer Pentti Keskitalo and two Kenyan citizens Palu and Raju Dhanani.
Its PIC/S certification relates to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. PIC/S (Pharmaceutical Inspection Convention & Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme) as required by the EU health authorities in monitoring and publishing of the GMP and other recommendations.

Its quest for quality certification by the World Health Organization (WHO), usually a prerequisite for sales to international aid organizations is pending and all seem well for the company. The company’s plant has already been approved in inspections conducted by several African authorities as well as aid organizations operating in Europe and America.

Universal Corporation has established a production plant of about 10 000 square metres in the small town of Kikuyu near Nairobi, where it makes more than a hundred different pharmaceutical products. Much of its equipment is second-hand, acquired at low cost from Finland, or was received as donations from well-wishers. According to the company’s founders. the next development stage is to modernize the plant and expand its production facilities to match its capacity due to raising demand for affordable, quality drugs.

The plant has about 140 regular employees, plus another 100-200 temporary ones. Its drugs are exported to more than 10 African countries bringing hope to millions in Africa where access to basic health care remains a challenge.

The Finnish development finance company Finnfund is among the key donors for the company. Finnfund participated in developing the plant with investment loans and equity offered to the company. The company’s environmental investments and its progress towards WHO certification have been targets of long-term loans.