Pharmacy and Poisons Board acting chief executive officer Dr Ahmed I. Mohamed
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has issued a stern warning to unauthorised retail outlets against stocking, selling or supplying prescription-only medicines.
The board said offenders will face tough regulatory action including prosecution and closure of premises.
The warning targets supermarkets, cosmetic shops, household goods stores, online sellers and general retail outlets that are not licensed to handle prescription medicines.
In a public notice, PPB acting chief executive officer Dr Ahmed I. Mohamed cautioned that any outlet found contravening the law would be held fully accountable.
He said regulatory sanctions would extend beyond the premises to include prosecution of owners, managers and directors involved in the illegal trade.
“The board will not hesitate to take decisive action to protect public health,” he said.
Mohamed advised businesses that are unsure about which health products and technologies (HPTs) they are legally permitted to sell to seek guidance directly from the regulator.
He said such entities can contact the PPB through its official email addresses, [email protected] and [email protected], for clarification before engaging in any sale.
He emphasised that ignorance of the law would not be accepted as a defence where violations are found.
The PPB also urged members of the public to play an active role in safeguarding the medicine supply chain by reporting suspected illegal activities.
“You need not be certain, just be suspicious,” Mohamed said, calling on Kenyans to report any suspected unregistered, falsified, counterfeit medicines or adverse drug reactions.
Reports can be submitted through the Board’s online portal, the *271# USSD code, the mPvERS mobile application available on both Android and iOS platforms, or by contacting the Board via its official email addresses and telephone line at 0795743049.
Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, Cap 244 of the Laws of Kenya, the PPB is mandated to protect and promote public health by ensuring access to quality, safe and effective health products and technologies.
The law expressly prohibits the importation, stocking, distribution, sale or use of unregistered, falsified, counterfeit or recalled health products within the Republic of Kenya. Possession or sale of such products is a criminal offence.
The consequences for violating the law are severe. They include prosecution and criminal liability of the superintendent pharmacist or pharmaceutical technologist, any person acting under their direction, as well as the manager, directors and owners of the establishment.
Additional penalties include suspension or revocation of licences and the closure of premises found to be operating illegally.
Mohamed said the Board remains fully committed to protecting and safeguarding public health, noting that unregulated access to prescription medicines poses serious risks, including misuse, drug resistance and adverse health outcomes.
He said strict enforcement is necessary to ensure medicines are dispensed responsibly and under proper professional supervision.
