By Dorothy Musyoka
The Ministry of Health’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board has issued a strict directive to prohibit the trading, importing, and handling of unregistered health products and technologies in Kenya. This decisive move aims to safeguard public health by ensuring that all pharmaceutical products in the market meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficacy.
In a public notice dated January 17, 2024, the Board highlighted the rising concern over the influx of unregistered pharmaceutical products, particularly those referencing the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP).
The notice clarifies that products not registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board are strictly prohibited from importation, distribution, sale, or handling in Kenya.
“Note that any pharmaceutical that is not duly registered by the Pharmacy and Poison Board is strictly prohibited for importation, distribution, sale or handling in Kenya,” read the notice.
The Board emphasized that the Indian Pharmacopoeia does not meet the country’s drug registration requirements and warned stakeholders against the use of such standards.
“Further note that, the Indian Pharmacopeia is not within the purview of drug registration requirements in the country and as such, product citing this standard are not compliant with Kenyan regulations,” the statement read in part.
All stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry are directed to:
- Cease trading, importing, or handling any unregistered products, including those referencing the Indian Pharmacopoeia.
- Ensure all pharmaceutical products in their possession are duly registered and approved by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.
- Adhere to the requirements outlined in the Pharmacy and Poisons Act and other relevant regulations.
“Failure to comply with these directives will attract severe regulatory actions, including but not limited to, seizure of products, revocation of licenses, and prosecution as stipulated under the law,” warned PPB.
Additionally, the board urged the public to report any non-compliance through the official channels provided by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the market and taking necessary enforcement actions to ensure compliance with the regulatory framework.