Kenya’s drug regulator has warned it will shut down businesses found selling counterfeit or unregistered medicines, stepping up its fight against illegal products circulating in shops and pharmacies across the country.
In a notice issued on Friday, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board said the crackdown would apply to manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, retailers and even supermarkets. The acting chief executive, Ahmed Mohamed, said the move was necessary to protect Kenyans during the festive season, when the sale of unverified medicines typically increases.
“Any person or entity found importing, stocking, distributing, selling, or using illegal medicines risks criminal prosecution,” the board said. Those facing sanctions include pharmacists, pharmaceutical technologists, managers and business owners.
“No unregistered, falsified, counterfeit, or recalled health products shall be imported, stocked, distributed, sold or used within the Republic of Kenya.”
The board warned that offenders could lose their operating licences or, in serious cases, see their premises closed. Supermarkets, cosmetic shops, small retailers and online sellers were reminded that they are not legally allowed to sell prescription-only drugs.
The regulator also urged the public to help identify suspect businesses. “You need not be certain, just be suspicious,” the notice said, encouraging Kenyans to report possible counterfeit products or adverse drug reactions through the PPB’s reporting channels.
The warning comes amid mounting concern from health officials over the rise of antimicrobial resistance, which has been linked to self-medication and the misuse of antibiotics. Doctors have repeatedly cautioned that many Kenyans take antibiotics for viral infections such as flu, despite the drugs being ineffective against viruses.
During a spike in cold-related illnesses earlier this year, the PPB reminded the public that antibiotics treat bacterial infections only. “Got a cold or flu? No antibiotic is needed,” the board said at the time. “Let us use them responsibly.”
Health experts say poor regulation and easy access to prescription drugs continue to fuel the problem. The board’s latest directive signals that enforcement will tighten, especially as the holiday period drives up demand for quick, over-the-counter remedies.
For now, the message is clear: only licensed pharmacies may stock regulated medicines, and anyone selling fake or unauthorised products risks severe consequences.