The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) is seeking stronger regulatory measures to prevent the entry and circulation of substandard and falsified medicines and health products in Kenya.

The board held a consultative meeting with the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health as MPs conducted a fact-finding mission on challenges affecting the pharmaceutical sector and areas under the regulator’s mandate.

The meeting was led by committee chairperson James Nyikal and was attended by PPB chairperson Dr John Munyu and Chief Executive Officer Dr Ahmed Mohamed.

In a statement shared on its X account on Thursday, July 23, 2026, PPB said the discussions focused on strengthening pharmaceutical regulation, pharmacy practice and regulatory oversight to protect public health.

“Discussions focused on regulation of the pharmaceutical sector, including measures to prevent the entry and circulation of substandard and falsified health products and technologies, regulation of pharmacy practice, and strengthening regulatory oversight to protect public health,” statement said.

MPs identify key areas needing support

Nyikal acknowledged the board’s efforts to strengthen regulation of the pharmaceutical sector but identified four priority areas requiring further support.

These include legislative reforms governing pharmacy practice and health products and technologies, addressing human resource gaps affecting implementation of the board’s mandate, supporting PPB towards attainment of World Health Organization Maturity Level 3 and strengthening surveillance and enforcement at ports of entry.

The areas are considered critical in efforts to prevent unsafe and falsified health products from entering the Kenyan market.

PPB highlights progress in regulation

Munyu highlighted measures undertaken by the board to strengthen the regulatory environment and support Universal Health Coverage and Kenya’s pharmaceutical manufacturing agenda.

The reforms include increased human resource capacity, implementation of the Health Products and Technologies Rules, strengthened supply chain integrity through Good Storage and Distribution Practices, enhanced digital regulatory pathways and adoption of Good Pharmacy Practice Guidelines.

PPB said the engagement reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regulatory oversight and ensuring Kenyans have access to safe, quality and effective health products and technologies.

Board previously cautioned Kenyans against fake drugs

The renewed focus on regulation comes after PPB cautioned Kenyans against buying counterfeit medicines and urged consumers to verify pharmacies before purchasing drugs.

In a statement issued in March, the board advised the public to “ask, check, and verify” before buying medicines.

“Confirm the pharmacy is licensed. Protect your health buy from authorised pharmacies,” PPB said.

The board said members of the public can confirm whether a pharmacy is licensed through its official list of authorised pharmacies.

The push for stronger oversight also comes amid concerns over pharmacy practice and patient safety, with the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya previously calling for stronger verification systems, clearer accountability structures and reinforced safeguards following a widely circulated dispensing incident.

PPB said continued collaboration with Parliament and other stakeholders would be critical in strengthening regulation and protecting Kenyans from unsafe, counterfeit and substandard health products.