NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 22 — The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has arrested ninety-five individuals and closed forty-eight unlicensed medicine outlets during a week-long enforcement operation in Nairobi and Kajiado counties.
The arrests and closures followed a surveillance exercise, which concluded on June 19, involving inspections of 155 pharmaceutical premises across several areas, including Kibra, Korogocho, Eastleigh, Dandora, Mathare, Embakasi, Nairobi West, and Rongai.
Speaking after the operation, PPB Head of Good Distribution Practices and Enforcement, Julius Kaluai, said the inspections uncovered widespread violations of pharmaceutical regulations, prompting arrests and legal action against offenders.
“Out of the 155 premises inspected, 95 were found to be operating illegally, and the individuals responsible were arrested. The suspects have since been presented before courts in Kajiado, Kibra, and Makadara, and we are awaiting the outcome of the cases,” said Kaluai.
The Board also ordered the closure of forty-eight outlets that were operating without valid licences. To ensure compliance, PPB has partnered with county governments, county security teams, and the National Police Service to prevent the affected premises from resuming operations.
“The premises have been marked and closure notices issued. We have also written to county security commanders, county governments, and the National Police Service to ensure the facilities do not resume operations,” he added.
During the crackdown, enforcement officers confiscated approximately 169 cartons of medicines from the illegal outlets. The seized products are being held pending court directives on their disposal.
Kaluai warned that operating pharmaceutical premises without the necessary licences is not only unlawful but also poses significant risks to public health. He urged medicine providers to adhere to regulatory requirements, noting that violators face prosecution and other penalties, including the loss of operating licences.
He further advised members of the public to purchase medicines only from registered and licensed pharmacies and chemists.
“Licensed premises are required by law to display their licences prominently where clients can easily see them. Members of the public should always verify these licences before seeking services or purchasing medicines,” he said.
The PPB reiterated its commitment to strengthening surveillance, enforcement, and public awareness initiatives to protect Kenyans from unsafe, unregulated, and illegal pharmaceutical practices.