Uasin Gushi County, Kenya – 30th April 2025 – The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Kenyans access safe, quality, and effective health products and technologies (HPTs), as part of its wider agenda to enhance regulatory oversight and public health protection.

Speaking at the 2nd Regulatory Authorities and Agencies (RAAs) Conference in Eldoret, PPB Chief Executive Officer Dr. F. M. Siyoi outlined the Board’s strategic reforms, including the digitization of regulatory services and the adoption of risk-based approaches to enforcement. These include suspension of personnel, closure of non-compliant premises, and product recalls or quarantines in cases of safety concerns.

The conference—officially opened by the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Mr. Felix Koskei—brought together Principal Secretaries, board chairpersons, and heads of regulatory bodies from across government to reflect on progress and renew commitments to responsive regulation.

Dr. Siyoi emphasized that PPB is at an advanced stage in pursuing the World Health Organization (WHO) Maturity Level 3 (ML.3) status, a milestone that will position Kenya as a regional leader in pharmaceutical regulation and boost local pharmaceutical manufacturing.

He noted that challenges such as informal distribution outlets, falsified and substandard products, and resistance from some actors continue to hinder regulatory progress, but the Board remains steadfast in its oversight role.

As the WHO-designated Regional Centre of Excellence for Pharmacovigilance in Africa, PPB also provides a platform for continental knowledge sharing on drug safety. Dr. Siyoi stressed the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration—especially with the Judiciary, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and National Police Service—to bolster enforcement and protect public health.

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