The government has intensified a crackdown on illegal chemists in the country as part of ongoing efforts to protect public health and eliminate unlicensed pharmaceutical operations.
Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) Head of Good Distribution Practices and Enforcement, Julius Kaluai, has confirmed that 95 individuals were arrested and 48 outlets were shut.
“Out of the 155 premises inspected, 95 were found to be operating illegally and the individuals responsible were arrested. The suspects have since been presented before courts in Kajiado, Kibra and Makadara, and we are awaiting the outcome of the cases,” said Kaluai.
PPB Conducts Crackdown of Illegal Pharmaceuticals Across the Country
According to the PPB, 155 pharmaceutical premises across Nairobi and Kajiado were inspected, covering areas including Kibra, Korogocho, Eastleigh, Dandora, Mathare, Embakasi, Nairobi West, and Rongai.
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These locations were identified as high-risk zones due to the high concentration of informal drug sellers and unregistered outlets.
According to PPB, inspections revealed widespread non-compliance with regulatory standards on storage, distribution, and sale of medicines.
The closed outlets lacked valid operational licenses under Kenyan pharmaceutical law.
Enforcement Actions, Court Proceedings and Seizures.
Following the arrests, the 95 suspects were arraigned in Kibra, Kajiado, and Makadara courts.
PPB confirmed that it has issued on-site closure notices and that the premises have been officially marked to prevent a resumption of operations.
The officers also confiscated approximately 169 cartons of medicines, and the seized products are currently being held in custody pending court directions on their disposal.
PPB has written to relevant authorities, including the respective county governments and the National Police, to ensure compliance.
“The premises have been marked and closure notices issued. We have also written to county security commanders, county governments and the National Police Service to ensure the facilities do not resume operations,” he added.
Pharmacy and Poisons Board Warns of Illegal Chemists Operation
The board has raised concerns over several unlicensed chemists in the country, warning that such operations pose a serious risk to public health.
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According to PPB, illegal pharmacies handle medicines without proper storage conditions and quality assurance, increasing the likelihood that patients receive counterfeit or substandard drugs.
Kaluai warned that operating a pharmaceutical business without a valid license is a criminal offense and exposes offenders to prosecution, fines, and license revocation.
He also urged members of the public to purchase medicines from legal licensed outlets.
Licensed outlets are also required by law to display their operational licenses, allowing customers to verify before purchasing the drugs.
“Licensed premises are required by law to display their licences prominently where clients can easily see them. Members of the public should always verify these licences before seeking services or purchasing medicines,” added Kaluai.
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