The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has issued a public notice warning manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and supermarkets against the sale and distribution of unregistered, falsified and counterfeit health products in Kenya.
In the notice dated Tuesday, December 9, the regulator also cautioned supermarkets, cosmetic shops, household goods stores, online sellers and other general retail outlets against stocking or selling prescription-only medicines, saying such practices violate the law and will attract regulatory action.
PPB warned that the importation, possession, distribution, sale or use of unregistered, falsified, counterfeit or recalled health products is illegal within the Republic of Kenya and will lead to serious consequences for those involved.
According to the regulator, individuals and entities found handling such products risk prosecution and criminal liability, including action against superintendent pharmacists or pharmaceutical technologists, persons acting under their direction, managers or persons in charge of premises, as well as directors and owners of the establishments.
The Board further said enforcement measures may include suspension or revocation of operating licences and the closure of premises found to be in violation of the law.
On the sale of medicines in retail outlets, PPB reiterated that supermarkets, cosmetic shops, household goods stores, online sellers and other general retailers are not authorised to stock, sell or supply prescription-only medicines.
The regulator warned that any outlet found contravening this requirement will be subject to regulatory sanctions, including prosecution of owners, managers and directors, and advised businesses unsure of which health products they may lawfully sell to seek guidance directly from the Board.
The Board also encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected illegal medicines or adverse drug reactions, urging them to act even where they are not fully certain.
“You need not be certain, just be suspicious. Report any suspected unregistered, falsified, counterfeit medicine, or adverse drug reaction to the Board,” the notice read.
PPB said reports can be submitted through its online portal, via the *271# USSD code, through the mPvERS mobile application on Android and iOS, or by contacting the Board through its official email addresses and telephone line.
