Kenya is fast degenerating into a country of fakes.  

The situation borders on a pandemic. Our public environment is littered with fake certificates, fake alcohol, fake leaders, fake news, and even fake drugs. 

These speak volumes about the authenticity of our moral fabric as a nation.  

We are confronted with a dangerous situation where individuals are trading with the lives of other Kenyans for profits through the sale of food and drugs that are unfit for human consumption. 

We are also faced with shocking levels of neglect by responsible authorities. There is a certain bout of callous inertia and lack of commitment to do the right thing.  

Public service is just a mere phrase that has been stripped of any force of meaning. It has become an attractive gravy train devoid of public good and intentions. 

Regulations on public safety and health have been turned into avenues of corruption abetted by State officials.  

The ramifications are far-reaching and dangerous. But only a few individuals are ready to raise their voices for fear of antagonising the network of powerful forces sitting in high places and enjoying high tea on the lives of other Kenyans.  

Not even the justice system has been helpful. 

Justice is sold to the highest bidder, and judges more often take bribes and determine cases in favour of the culprits.  

Take the enforcement of the Pharmacy and Poisons Act that regulates the profession of pharmacy and the trade in drugs and poisons.  

The objective of the Act is to ensure that pharmaceuticals are distributed by highly qualified personnel through outlets that are duly licensed and professionally run. 

Pharmaceuticals require specialised handling to ensure their quality is maintained throughout the distribution chain and the risk of exposing the public to unsafe medicines. 

Yet despite the usually highly stage-managed “raids” of outlets by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, the Kenyan market is flooded with fake drugs.  

This is because dealers bribe officials before returning the drugs to the shelves.  

Kenyans deserve more than the PR stunts of the agency, which should have a more meaningful and effective strategy to ensure medicines are safe for consumers.