The Pharmacy and Poisons Board is the national medicines regulatory authority whose mandate is to protect the health of the public by regulating the profession of pharmacy and ensuring quality, safety
and efficacy of medical products and health technologies.

In light of the above, PPB drug inspectors are conducting an intensive surveillance and enforcement operation within Kakuma Refugee camp, Kakuma town, Kanamkemer market and Lodwar town within Turkana County.

The activity which started on April 26, 2021 aims at countering the mushrooming of medicine hawkers and unsuitable storage practices for pharmaceuticals within the county.

The operation is part of targeted pharmaceutical enforcement surveillance within the North Rift Region covering the Counties of West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana and Uasin Gishu.

At least 69 people have been arrested for illegally handling pharmaceuticals and 80 cartons of assorted medicines were seized. The arrested persons have been booked for prosecution in various courts within North Rift region.

Details of 95 premises that have been closed down in the operation shall be shared with the national government administrative agencies and the respective county governments for enforcement of closure.

PPB calls upon the judiciary to dispense deterrent sanctions to the persons found guilty of breaching the requirements of cap 244 to ensure preservation of public health.

The public and private healthcare facilities and those who handle pharmaceuticals are notified to apply online for safe disposal of any pharmaceutical waste that they may have or get in touch with PPB regional officers. PPB website: www.pharmacyboardkenya.org

Members of the public are advised to use ‘Health Safety’ codes displayed in registered pharmacy outlets to verify legality of the premises. Send SMS free of charge to 21031.