24 arrested, 30 unlicensed chemists shut in Nairobi crackdown

A coordinated effort led by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) in Nairobi County has resulted in the arrest of 24 individuals and the closure of 30 unlicensed chemists.

Following the directive of PPB Inspector Dr Tom Mwangi, the operation aims to eliminate counterfeit pharmacists and illicit pharmaceutical outlets, prioritizing public health protection.

Dr Mwangi highlighted the dangers posed by these establishments, citing concerns such as improper medication storage and the illegal distribution of narcotics.

Julius Kaluai, Head of Enforcement and Surveillance at PPB, underscored the national scope of the crackdown, aligning with a presidential directive to combat the illicit drug trade.

In addition to enforcement actions, PPB is implementing regulations to oversee pharmaceutical sales representatives, ensuring compliance with professional standards and ethical practices in the industry.

In a separate incident in April 2022, PPB seized 113 cartons of assorted Medical Products and Health Technologies (HPTs) from illegal premises in Machakos County, resulting in the arrest of 70 individuals who were arraigned in various courts.

Established under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, Cap 244 Laws of Kenya, PPB serves as the National Drug Regulatory Authority within the Ministry of Health, tasked with regulating pharmacy practice and ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of medical products and health technologies.

𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢: 𝟐𝟒 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝, 𝟑𝟎 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝

In a comprehensive crackdown orchestrated by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) in Nairobi County, 24 individuals have been apprehended, and 30 unlicensed… pic.twitter.com/1wXzWLBu0n

— Pharmacy and Poisons (@ppbkenya) March 21, 2024