(Nakuru) – The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), in collaboration with the National Police Service, has launched a new operation to tackle the distribution, wholesale, and transportation of pharmaceuticals by unauthorized entities across Kenya. This initiative is aimed at strengthening the regulation of the pharmaceutical industry and safeguarding public health.
The PPB raised concerns over the increasing number of unlicensed courier services, motorbike operators, and public transport vehicles involved in the illegal transportation of pharmaceuticals. According to Julius Kaluai, Head of Good Distribution Practices at the PPB, the operation will work closely with police officers from all 47 counties to ensure that transporters, wholesalers, and distributors comply with national regulations or face legal consequences.
“The collaboration with the National Police Service follows a recent nationwide audit of health facilities, which identified widespread malpractice in the pharmaceutical sector,” Kaluai said. He added that the data collected during this audit would be instrumental in tracking and addressing illegal pharmaceutical activities across the country.
A key focus of the operation is to address the illegal transport of medicines, which are often carried in unlicensed vehicles such as matatus and lorries. These vehicles fail to meet the established guidelines for pharmaceutical transportation, raising concerns about the safety and quality of the drugs being distributed.
Dr. Onesmus Kilonzo, the PPB’s Lower Eastern Regional Head, also noted that many of the individuals handling pharmaceuticals are not qualified pharmacists. In some cases, untrained personnel are allowed to manage medications, potentially compromising the safety of patients. He stressed the importance of having qualified pharmacists involved in every step of the pharmaceutical supply chain, particularly in hospital settings.
“The lack of qualified personnel in some areas of the supply chain is a serious concern. We must ensure that only qualified individuals handle medications to guarantee patient safety,” Dr. Kilonzo said. He also called on private hospitals to adhere to the ministry’s staffing norms and ensure that only registered pharmacists are involved in patient care.
The PPB has also warned pharmaceutical distributors against selling medicines to unlicensed pharmacies. In an effort to curb illegal practices, the Board has directed distributors to strictly adhere to good distribution practices to ensure that drugs reach the public safely and are not diverted into the black market.
Kaluai pointed out that many wholesale outlets have been identified as sources of distribution to unlicensed retailers. Some wholesalers, he explained, change their locations without informing the PPB, making it difficult to track and inspect their operations. This lack of communication increases the risk of illegal drugs reaching the market.
The PPB is also focusing on the growing trend of online pharmacies, which have seen rapid growth in recent years. Kaluai emphasized the need for new regulations to govern the online sale of medicines. The previous rules, he explained, do not adequately address the complexities of online pharmaceutical services, such as consultations, drug prescriptions, and online counseling. The new rules will be designed to meet international standards and ensure that online services operate within the law.
Kaluai warned that any non-compliant online pharmacies would face strict enforcement measures. He stressed that while over-the-counter medicines can be sold freely, prescription-only medications are subject to strict laws to prevent misuse. He also noted that poorly crafted advertisements for online pharmacies could lead to the misuse of drugs by the public.
In response to the growing concerns about online pharmacies, the PPB has proposed regulations that will require online pharmacies to register and operate within a regulated framework. These new rules are part of a broader effort to harmonize Kenya’s pharmaceutical laws with international standards, ensuring better safety and accountability in the sector.
The PPB’s crackdown on unauthorized pharmaceutical distribution is not limited to transporters and online pharmacies but extends to all stakeholders in the supply chain. Dr. Kilonzo highlighted the need for strict adherence to regulations by all parties involved in the transportation and distribution of pharmaceuticals. He emphasized that starting in 2025, all hospitals will be required to have pharmacy licenses overseen by licensed pharmacists.
This initiative aims to address the issues of illegal drug distribution, ensure the safety of pharmaceuticals in Kenya, and improve overall public health standards. The PPB’s efforts, along with support from the National Police Service, will help enforce stricter regulations, ultimately protecting the public from unsafe and unregulated drugs.