Kenya is taking significant steps to enhance pharmaceutical regulation, product traceability, and supply chain oversight, ensuring that patients have access to safe, effective, and quality-assured medicines.
Dr. John Munyu, Chairperson of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, emphasized that patients deserve to receive medicines with the confidence that they have undergone thorough assessment, safe storage, and legitimate supply channels.
Speaking at the 6th PharmaReg & MedDevReg AfriSummit 2026 in Nairobi, which was inaugurated by Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale, Dr. Munyu highlighted the importance of robust regulatory systems in fostering and sustaining public trust.
Kenya has fortified its laws, enhanced technical capacity, improved quality systems, and refined regulatory processes, focusing on making regulatory decisions consistent, predictable, and risk-based.
The country’s advancement through the World Health Organization Global Benchmarking Tool has sharpened its focus on the practical performance of the regulatory system.
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has initiated the renewal of marketing authorizations, ensuring that health products remain under regulatory scrutiny even after their initial approval.
Additionally, the Board has intensified inspections of manufacturers, wholesalers, and other facilities to safeguard product quality throughout the supply chain.
Dr. Munyu stated that the Board is also enhancing pharmacy practice standards and advancing product authentication and traceability.
These initiatives will empower regulators to monitor health products across the supply chain and respond swiftly to any safety or quality concerns.
The Board is expanding its use of regulatory reliance, allowing assessments and inspection results from reputable regulatory authorities to inform national regulatory decisions.
“Our mission is to continually improve, deliver efficient and transparent services, support those who adhere to clear standards, and take firm action against substandard and counterfeit medical products,” Dr. Munyu asserted.
He urged for stronger collaboration among African regulatory authorities, highlighting that regulatory maturity, reliance, local manufacturing, digital systems, and supply chain security require a united effort from multiple institutions and countries.
The Summit serves as a platform for national regulatory authorities, health leaders, and other stakeholders from Africa and beyond to share knowledge and cultivate partnerships that drive effective regulatory action.
The opening session also featured Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Pharmacy and Poisons Board CEO Dr. Ahmed Mohamed, heads of national regulatory authorities, and delegates from across the continent.
