Duale vows to end counterfeit drugs in Kenya
By Joel Masibo, September 10, 2025Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has promised to end counterfeit drugs in the country amid the alarm over illegal trade targeting unsuspecting patients.
Speaking during the quarterly meeting with the Development Partners in Health Kenya (DPHK) at the Ministry of Health headquarters, Nairobi, on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, hinted at working with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board reforms in clearing the counterfeits from the pharmacies’ shelves.
”I reaffirm my commitment to eliminating counterfeit medicines through Pharmacy and Poisons Board reforms, while the new Digital Health Act will guarantee certified, interoperable systems,” Duale said.
Led by incoming DPHK chair Brian Rettman, the discussions centred on strengthening health systems to protect vulnerable populations, especially mothers, children and refugees. Duale also confirmed the ongoing reforms at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority, aiming to improve the distribution of health equipment and drugs seamlessly.
Duale on SHA and KEMSA
”I underscored the ongoing transformation of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to secure reliable, affordable supply chains and highlighted progress in universal health coverage, with over 26 million Kenyans now registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA),” Duale added.
According to the Health Cabinet Secretary, the government’s reforms are anchored on six pillars: publicly financed primary health care, a rights-based social health insurance model, transparent digital health systems, strengthened referral and emergency services, sustainable commodity security and a motivated, well-distributed workforce.
Aden Duale further said the Ministry of Health is working hand in hand with the National Treasury to find resources for the family planning programme and other operations in the health sector amid the dwindling donor funding.
”Despite declining donor funding, we are strengthening domestic resource mobilisation, exploring innovative financing and have resolved Gavi co-financing with the National Treasury to unlock resources for family planning and other priorities,” Duale said.
On the Mpox outbreak, Aden Duale commended the joint response, noting that National and County Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs) are fully activated, with 10,700 vaccine doses deployed to high-burden counties. The CS stressed the need for real-time data sharing, pandemic preparedness and close collaboration with the Council of Governors to align national and county health efforts.
Present in the meeting were Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni and Digital Health Agency CEO Anthony Lenaiyara.