Nakuru, Kenya – In a significant effort to protect public health, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), in collaboration with the National Police Service, has launched a nationwide crackdown targeting the illegal distribution, wholesale, and transportation of pharmaceuticalson 12th November 2024. This intensified surveillance and enforcement initiative aims to eliminate malpractice in the pharmaceutical sector and ensure the public only receives safe, quality medications.

As part of the operation, PPB issued a strong warning to unlicensed courier services, motorbike operators, and public transport providers, urging them to cease transporting pharmaceuticals without the proper authorization. The Board stressed that transporting unapproved pharmaceuticals poses a serious risk to the integrity and quality of medications.

Mr. Julius Kaluai, Head of Enforcement and Surveillance at PPB, emphasized that all unlicensed wholesalers, distributors, and transporters must comply with national regulations or face severe penalties. This action follows a nationwide audit of health facilities to identify and address pharmaceutical sector malpractices, with data from the audit being used to pinpoint trends in illegal activities for more effective, intelligence-driven enforcement.

Mr. Kaluai also called for increased collaboration between PPB and other government agencies at border points to prevent the entry of unregistered pharmaceutical products, further strengthening public health safeguards.

In addition, PPB issued a warning to retail outlets operating unauthorized online pharmacies, urging them to register their premises based on the services they offer. Strict enforcement measures will be taken against non-compliant businesses.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, reinforcing its commitment to minimizing health risks related to the illegal distribution and transportation of pharmaceuticals.