Pharmacy and Poisons Board Launches Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Pharmaceutical Distribution

NAIROBI, Kenya 

Saturday, 16 November, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), in partnership with the National Police Service, has initiated a sweeping nationwide crackdown on the illegal distribution, wholesale, and transportation of pharmaceuticals. 

The intensified enforcement measures are aimed at rooting out malpractice within the sector, safeguarding public health, and ensuring that only safe, quality medications are delivered to consumers.

The PPB issued a stern warning to unlicensed courier services, motorbike operators, and public transport providers against transporting pharmaceuticals without proper authorization. Violating these regulations poses significant risks to medication quality, potentially endangering public safety. 

Mr. Julius Kaluai, PPB’s Head of Enforcement and Surveillance, emphasized that all unlicensed wholesalers, distributors, and transporters must adhere to national standards or face serious repercussions.

This action follows a comprehensive nationwide audit of health facilities, which sought to identify and correct malpractices within the pharmaceutical sector. The data collected during the audit will be used to identify patterns in illegal activities, facilitating more strategic, intelligence-driven enforcement efforts moving forward.

Mr. Kaluai also underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration, particularly at border points, to prevent the importation of unregistered pharmaceutical products. This measure is crucial for maintaining robust public health safeguards and curbing the entry of potentially harmful medications into the Kenyan market.

In addition to addressing physical distribution issues, the PPB has directed retail outlets running unauthorized online pharmacies to register their operations in accordance with regulatory standards. Non-compliance will attract strict enforcement measures.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious pharmaceutical activities. This nationwide crackdown reaffirms the PPB’s commitment to mitigating health risks posed by non-compliant pharmaceutical distribution and ensuring the safety and well-being of all Kenyans.