The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has intensified its crackdown on illegal pharmaceutical operations, arresting 95 individuals and closing 48 unlicensed medicine outlets during a week-long surveillance exercise in Nairobi and Kajiado counties.
The operation, which concluded on June 19, 2026, involved inspections of 155 pharmaceutical premises in areas including Kibra, Korogocho, Eastleigh, Dandora, Mathare, Embakasi, Nairobi West and Rongai.
According to PPB Head of Good Distribution Practices and Enforcement Julius Kaluai, the inspections revealed widespread non-compliance with pharmaceutical regulations, resulting in arrests and prosecutions.
“Out of the 155 premises inspected, 95 were found to be operating illegally and the individuals responsible were arrested. The suspects have since been presented before courts in Kajiado, Kibra and Makadara, and we are awaiting the outcome of the cases,” said Kaluai.
The Board also ordered the closure of 48 premises found to be operating without valid licences. PPB has engaged county governments, county security teams and the National Police Service to ensure the affected outlets remain closed.
“The premises have been marked and closure notices issued. We have also written to county security commanders, county governments and the National Police Service to ensure the facilities do not resume operations,” he added.
Unlicenced medicine outlets put on notice
During the exercise, PPB officers confiscated approximately 169 cartons of medicines from the illegal outlets. The seized products are being held pending court directions on their disposal.
Kaluai warned that operating pharmaceutical premises without the required licences not only violates the law but also puts public health at risk. He urged medicine providers to comply with regulatory requirements, noting that offenders risk prosecution and other regulatory action, including loss of licences.
He also called on members of the public to purchase medicines only from registered and licensed pharmacies and chemists.
“Licensed premises are required by law to display their licences prominently where clients can easily see them. Members of the public should always verify these licences before seeking services or purchasing medicines,” he said.
PPB continues to strengthen surveillance, enforcement and public awareness efforts to protect Kenyans from unsafe, unregulated and illegal pharmaceutical practices and to ensure medicines available in the market meet the required standards of safety, quality and efficacy.
