Nairobi, Kenya –  The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has launched a rigorous crackdown in Nairobi County, resulting in the arrest of 24 individuals and the closure of 30 unlicensed chemists.

Led by PPB Inspector Dr. Tom Mwangi, the operation aims to sanitize the pharmaceutical sector by targeting fake pharmacists and illegal pharmaceutical outlets across the country.

Dr. Mwangi emphasized the public health risks posed by these outlets, including improper storage of medicines and the unauthorized sale of narcotics and psychotropic substances. The crackdown, which began in late January 2024, is ongoing and extends to all 47 counties nationwide.

PPB’s head of enforcement and surveillance, Dr. Julius Kaluai, highlighted the importance of the operation in response to a presidential directive to curb the sale and consumption of illicit drugs and alcohol.

This crackdown coincides with the PPB’s implementation of guidelines to regulate pharmaceutical sales representatives, ensuring their qualifications and ethical conduct.