Senator Hazena Lemaletian has raised concerns over patient safety in Kenya’s pharmaceutical sector calling for urgent scrutiny of regulatory and professional standards following a reported case of medical negligence in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
Rising pursuant to Standing Order 53(1), the Senator requested a Statement from the Senate Committee on Health regarding an incident that occurred on February 27, 2026 in Eldoret where a child allegedly suffered severe complications, including loss of eyesight after being issued the wrong medication by a pharmacy.
Senator Lemaletian said the incident highlights serious gaps in due diligence, professionalism, regulatory oversight and ethical compliance within the pharmaceutical sector warning that such lapses pose significant risks to public health.
In her request, the Senator asked the Committee to establish the circumstances under which the wrong medication was dispensed, including whether standard dispensing protocols were followed and what action has been taken against those responsible.
She further called for accountability from key regulatory bodies including the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya, seeking clarity on mechanisms used to verify practitioners’ qualifications, licensing status and ongoing professional competence.
Additionally, Senator Lemaletian urged the Committee to provide a status report on compliance across pharmacies and chemists nationwide including the number of licensed outlets, recent inspection outcomes and enforcement actions.
The Lawmaker also called for comprehensive reforms by the Ministry of Health to strengthen oversight and restore public confidence in pharmaceutical services.
By Anthony Solly
