Mombasa, 24 June 2026 – The Chairperson of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), Dr. John M. Munyu, MBS, has called on pharmacists to take a leading role in transforming healthcare through innovation, professionalism and ethical practice.

Speaking at the 46th Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) Annual Scientific Conference in Mombasa on 24 June 2026, officiated by Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale, Dr. Munyu said pharmacists must move beyond participating in healthcare transformation and instead lead efforts to advance quality healthcare, research, local manufacturing, regulation and public service.

He noted that the conference theme, “Pharmacists Leading Transformation and Innovation Towards the Highest Attainable Standards of Health,” reflects the Pharmacy and Poisons Board’s ongoing reforms to strengthen regulation, protect public health and support the growth of Kenya’s pharmaceutical sector.

Dr. Munyu reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to eliminating illegal pharmaceutical operations, warning that unlicensed medicine outlets, unqualified practitioners and wholesalers supplying medicines to illegal operators will face firm regulatory action, including prosecution, disciplinary action and licence revocation.

The Chairperson highlighted key reforms implemented by the Board, including increased human resource capacity, full implementation of the Health Products and Technologies Rules, strengthened Good Storage and Distribution Practice inspections, adoption of the Good Pharmacy Practice Guidelines, rollout of the Practice 360 compliance platform, and the application of artificial intelligence and track-and-trace technologies to enhance regulatory oversight.

He said these reforms have positioned Kenya on the final path towards attaining World Health Organization Maturity Level 3 (ML3) status, with formal benchmarking expected in September 2026. Achieving ML3, he noted, will strengthen confidence in Kenya’s regulatory systems, support local pharmaceutical manufacturing and improve access to quality-assured medical products.

Dr. Munyu called on pharmacists, professional associations and industry stakeholders to embrace compliance, innovation and self-regulation, emphasizing that strengthening Kenya’s regulatory system requires collective action.

The conference was attended by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms. Mary Muthoni, CBS, PPB Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ahmed I. Mohamed and other leaders from the health sector.