The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has cautioned Kenyans against purchasing counterfeit drugs while issuing a detailed guideline on how to avoid buying fake drugs.

In a statement on the PPB official X account on Thursday, March 5, 2026, the board called on Kenyans to always ask, check and verify the pharmacies before buying any drug.

According to PPB, Kenyans can confirm licensed pharmacies through the Pharmacy and Poisons Board website which has a list of all authorised pharmacies in the Country.

“Ask, check, and verify before you buy medicines. Confirm the pharmacy is licensed. Protect your health—buy from authorised pharmacies,” PPB said.

Rouge pharmacy

The report comes days after the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) issued an official statement following a viral video showing a dispensing error at a pharmacy, in which a staff member is said to have dispensed topical skin cream instead of prescribed eye drops for a baby’s ocular infection.

In a statement dated February 27, 2026, PSK said it had taken note of the circulating footage and the public concern that followed.

The professional body clarified that the individual featured in the video is not a licensed pharmacist and is not a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya.

“PSK confirms that the individual featured in the circulating footage is not a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya. It is not a licensed Pharmacist and media mischaracterisation that inaccurately associates the Pharmacist with incidents without verification, which is inaccurate and unfairly associates incidents with the profession,” the statement read in part.

PSK stated that media mischaracterisation had inaccurately linked the incident to qualified pharmacists. It emphasised: “Any dispensing error involving incorrect formulation or route of administration is a serious clinical concern that warrants regulatory review,” the body added.

Call for investigation and stronger safeguards

The society noted that pharmacy premises in Kenya operate under an existing regulatory framework that allows both licensed pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists to practise.

It said the incident highlights the need for strengthened verification systems, clearer accountability structures and reinforced safeguards for patient safety.