#23
DR. WINNIE MWANGI CHAIR KAPI
Dr. Winnie Mwangi is a dynamic and driven thought leader with over 15 years of experience in Regulatory Science, Government Affairs, Global Health, Market Access, Advocacy, and Policy in the healthcare industry. Her expertise spans across product and program development for health products and technologies, showcasing her comprehensive knowledge and commitment to advancing the pharmaceutical landscape.
In 2021, Dr. Mwangi took on the leadership position as Chair of The Kenya Association of Pharmaceutical Industry (KAPI), following a decade of dedicated service in various capacities, including Board Member, Honorary Treasurer, and Executive Secretary.
KAPI serves as the representative body for multinational manufacturers, or their local representatives, engaged in groundbreaking research, invention, and development of medicines and technologies that substantially enhance people’s lives. As the industry voice, the Association is dedicated to championing efficiency within the pharmaceutical sector, with a focus on enhancing access to high-quality, safe, and effective medicines, health products, and technologies for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases.
Under Dr. Mwangi’s transformational leadership, KAPI has consistently championed responsive policies, contributing to the development of an enabling pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry in Kenya through collaborative efforts with various stakeholders. Her ongoing efforts extend to advocating for improved healthcare systems in the country, aligning with the broader goal of achieving Universal Health Care coverage and realising the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing.
Dr. Mwangi’s stewardship at KAPI recently garnered recognition from the Women on Boards Network (WOBN) as a finalist in the overall WOBN Awards. This accolade acknowledges women leaders making a substantial impact in boardrooms, further highlighting Dr. Mwangi’s influential contributions and accomplishments.
Beyond her pivotal role at KAPI, Dr. Mwangi holds notable international appointments, including serving as a Council Member in the Africa Engagement Council at the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA). She is a Member of the African Medicine Agency task force at IFPMA and an Advisory Board Member of Women in Global Health (WGH).
On a national level, Dr. Mwangi is a Member of the Industrial and Trade Sector Board at the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA).
Academically, Dr. Mwangi’s extensive qualifications include a Master’s degree in Health Economics and Pharmacoeconomics from UPF Barcelona School of Management in Spain, as well as a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) degree from the University of Nairobi (UoN).
Since her high school days at State House Girls High School, Dr. Mwangi recognised her aptitude for sciences, igniting her dream to pursue a career in Pharmacy. Her professional journey in Pharmacy commenced in the government sector, specifically at Meru Level V Hospital. With a firm belief in giving her best in every aspect of life, Dr. Mwangi has consistently adhered to the principle of putting her best foot forward in all seasons. Recognising her dedication, she swiftly rose through the ranks and was entrusted with leading the pharmacy department at the Comprehensive Care Centre within the hospital. This period stands out as one of the most fulfilling stages in her career, as she worked directly with patients, making a positive impact on the quality of life for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Driven by ambition and a desire to expand her horizons, Dr. Mwangi subsequently entered the realm of regulatory affairs – a field in pharmacy dedicated to safeguarding public health by overseeing the safety and efficacy of various products, spanning pharmaceuticals, veterinary medicines, medical devices, pesticides, agrochemicals, cosmetics, and complementary medicines. Her journey into regulatory affairs commenced in 2011 at Laborex, where she assumed the role of Company Pharmacist and Regulatory Affairs Lead for multiple principals.
Embracing new horizons, Dr. Mwangi joined GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) as Regulatory Affairs Manager for East Africa in 2013. Over the past decade at GSK, she has ascended to the role of Regulatory Affairs and Government Affairs Director, overseeing regulatory affairs for 26 markets with over 500 stock keeping units (SKUs) in the Africa region. This accomplishment stands as a true testament to her ambition and professional growth. Throughout this period, Dr. Mwangi has garnered numerous recognitions and awards for her exceptional contributions.
For example, she earned the Emerging Markets Winning Performance Award for collaborating with cross-functional teams, including governments and health sectors, to enhance access to Malaria Vaccines across Africa. Recognition also followed for her achievements in delivering on divestments, expediting market authorisations, and implementing digital promotion strategies within Africa. Globally, Dr. Mwangi received an award for creating an innovative system to ensure compliance with post-approval changes for licence maintenance. Adding to her accolades, Dr. Mwangi proudly received the GSK Global Women Leadership Initiative award as the Most Inspirational Female Role Model in 2022.
As a devoted wife and mother of four, Dr. Mwangi passionately champions the family unit as the cornerstone of human society. Her life mantra centres around placing God at the core of one’s existence and embracing the philosophy of continuous improvement, striving to become a little better each day.
