The Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale has issued firm directives to the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) to intensify regulatory enforcement and protect the health of all Kenyans.
Speaking during his maiden official visit to the Board, CS Duale called on the PPB to immediately remove substandard, falsified, poor-quality, counterfeit, and unregistered medicines from the market and to prosecute individuals, directors, or entities involved in their distribution or sale.
He emphasised strict compliance with the Pharmacy and Poisons (Parallel Imported Medicinal Substances) Rules of 2019, ordered an end to the illegal leasing of professional licences, and directed full implementation of bioequivalence requirements to ensure generics perform like innovator products.
In addition, CS Duale warned that any compromise or neglect by inspectors will attract administrative, disciplinary, or legal action.
He also recognised the Board’s efforts towards achieving World Health Organization (WHO) Maturity Level 3, noting that this milestone is critical for strengthening regulatory oversight, boosting investor confidence, opening markets, and supporting Kenya’s local pharmaceutical manufacturing ambitions.
How many new staff will Pharmacy and Poisons Board hire?
To address staffing gaps, CS Dual announced the approval to hire 45 additional officers under the World Bank-supported Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience Project, with further recruitment under discussion with the National Treasury.
CS Duale reaffirmed the PPB’s central role in safeguarding public health, supporting local industry growth, and ensuring the well-being of all Kenyans, urging staff to enforce the law firmly, fairly, and without fear or favour.
The visit was attended by the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, PPB Chairman Dr. John Munyu, PPB CEO Dr. Ahmed Mohamed, members of the Board, as well as PPB management and staff.
