Kenya Unveils Key Reforms to Strengthen Pharmaceutical Regulation and Eliminate Counterfeit Medicines
𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐚, 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 - 𝟐𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 – Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale outlined key reforms aimed at strengthening pharmaceutical regulation, enhancing digital health systems, and eliminating counterfeit medicines as he officially presided over the 21st Annual Scientific Conference of the Kenya Pharmaceutical Association (KPA) in Mombasa County.
The conference, held under the theme “Enhancing Access to Quality, Safe and Affordable Health Products and Technologies for Sustainable Healthcare in Kenya,” marks 50 years of KPA’s contribution to Kenya’s pharmaceutical sector and brings together professionals from across the health system to reflect on progress and chart the way forward.
Speaking at the opening session, CS Duale underscored the critical role of pharmaceutical technologists and health professionals in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He noted their contribution to strengthening health supply chains, supporting community pharmacies, delivering primary care, and ensuring the rational use of medicines for improved health outcomes.
The CS emphasized the need for continuous professional development under the Taifa Care model, calling for alignment of health workforce competencies with international standards and Kenya’s constitutional commitment to the highest attainable standard of health.
He announced the Ministry’s ongoing digital transformation agenda, including the rollout of four critical systems to improve health commodity management and transparency:
• National Product Catalogue
• Drug Formularies
• National Logistics Management System
• Track-and-Trace Systems
These tools, he said, will support the fight against counterfeit medicines, reduce wastage and loss of public commodities, and improve accountability and efficiency across the national supply chain.
Accompanied by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni, CS Duale reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that all medicines dispensed under the Social Health Authority (SHA) are approved by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) and administered only by qualified professionals.
He reiterated his firm stance against malpractices and fraudulent activities within SHA and its affiliated facilities, citing the Ministry’s efforts to protect patients, eliminate fraud, and uphold the integrity of the UHC programme.
Additionally, the CS assured participants of the Ministry’s resolve to safeguard professional scopes of practice through the PPB. He noted that ongoing regulatory reviews are aimed at promoting fairness, clarity, and, above all, patient safety, while upholding high standards of care and professionalism.
The conference is hosted by KPA President Hon. Eric Sedah and Secretary General Hon. Eric Gichane, and brings together pharmaceutical professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders committed to strengthening the delivery of safe, affordable, and effective health products and technologies across the country.