Tharaka Nithi Governor and the vice chairperson of the Council of Governors Muthomi Njuki has raised concerns over the circulation of fake HIV test kits and counterfeit emergency contraceptive pills (P2) in the Kenyan market, warning that the illicit products pose a serious threat to public health, particularly among young people.

Speaking during the launch of the Interministerial Steering Committee tasked with implementing Kenya’s National Action Plan on Substandard and Falsified Medical Products on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, Njuki said the discovery of counterfeit medical products highlights the urgent need for stronger coordination among government agencies to protect Kenyans from unsafe medicines and medical devices.

“I am shocked to see that we have fake HIV test kits in the market. You know what that means to our youth?” Njuki said.

He noted that the presence of falsified HIV test kits could lead to inaccurate diagnoses, delaying treatment for infected individuals while creating a false sense of security for those who receive incorrect negative results.

Njuki also expressed concern over the widespread availability of fake emergency contraceptive pills, commonly known as P2, saying the counterfeit products are exposing many young women to unintended pregnancies.

“We have very many fake P2, and that means our youth and girls get unwanted pregnancies because the system has failed them,” he said.

Alarm over porous borders

The governor has also pointed to porous borders as a major contributor to the influx of substandard and falsified medical products into the country. He observed that while health regulators play a critical role, border security requires the involvement of multiple government agencies.

According to Njuki, nearly 60 per cent of such products enter Kenya through channels that are not adequately monitored.

“We currently have 60 per cent of products coming in. We do not man the borders. Other people are responsible for monitoring and manning the borders,” he said, welcoming the participation of border management agencies in the new multi-sectoral initiative.

Njuki emphasised that the fight against counterfeit medical products extends beyond the health sector, affecting public safety, trade, law enforcement and the economy.

“The impact of substandard and falsified products is multidisciplinary. It affects so many other people, and addressing it also requires a multidisciplinary approach,” he said.

The governor has expressed confidence that the newly established Interministerial Steering Committee will strengthen collaboration among government institutions, improve surveillance, enhance border enforcement and protect the public from dangerous medical products circulating in the market.

The committee is expected to provide strategic leadership and coordinate implementation of Kenya’s National Action Plan on Substandard and Falsified Medical Products, bringing together key agencies responsible for regulation, enforcement, border control and public health.