Governor Abdulswamad tables proposal to curb abuse of prescription drugs in Mombasa

Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir wants stricter enforcement measures and joint oversight to curb the illegal distribution of prescription medication. (X/Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir)

By Farhiya Hussein
Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Under the proposed framework, the sale of addictive prescription drugs would be limited to pharmacies based in Level 4 and higher hospitals.

Mombasa County has submitted a formal proposal to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, seeking a joint crackdown on the growing abuse of prescription drugs in Mombasa County.

The proposal, which was presented on Monday during a Council of Governors meeting in Nairobi, outlines a framework for collaboration between the county government and national institutions, including the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), and the National Police Service.

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Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir wants stricter enforcement measures and joint oversight to curb the illegal distribution of prescription medication, which he described as a worsening crisis in coastal communities.

“This is no longer a county issue, it is a national emergency. Prescription drug abuse is silently destroying lives and families. We must act collectively to stop it,” he said.

Under the proposed framework, the sale of addictive prescription drugs would be limited to pharmacies based in Level 4 and higher hospitals.

We’re taking the fight to the source of prescription drug abuse. No more illegal sales in our neighborhoods. This ends now—and I’ll see it through to the very end. pic.twitter.com/lY5ppMDh6M
— Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir (@A_S_Nassir) April 14, 2025

Chemists would be required to operate solely for pharmaceutical use, and inspections would be carried out regularly in partnership with national enforcement teams.

The plan also includes mandatory data sharing on pharmacy licenses between the county and national agencies and the rollout of public education campaigns on the risks associated with prescription drug misuse.

Health CS Duale welcomed the proposal, saying it signals the kind of intergovernmental collaboration needed to tackle public health threats.

He pledged to review the document and consider it for national application.

Prescription drug abuse is robbing our communities of their youth, tearing apart families, and fueling a silent public health crisis.

Today, I formally presented to Health Cabinet Secretary @HonAdenDuale a bold intergovernmental proposal to crack down on the unlawful sale of… pic.twitter.com/9N8ThZWyKm
— Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir (@A_S_Nassir) April 14, 2025

The Council of Governors is expected to discuss the proposal in detail in the coming weeks. If adopted, it could serve as a blueprint for similar interventions in other counties grappling with pharmaceutical-related drug abuse.

The agreement will come into effect once it receives formal endorsement from the relevant authorities and is gazetted by the Mombasa County Government.