Pharmacy and Poisons

about 9 hours ago

Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale chaired a consultative meeting with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) and the Kenya Pharmaceutical Association (KPA) on the rollout of the 2026 Good Pharmacy Practice Standards. Present were PPB Chairperson Dr. John Munyu and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ahmed Mohammed; KPA Deputy President Williamson Chumba and Secretary General Eric Gichane. The meeting clarified that qualified and licensed pharmaceutical technologists may continue practising within their legal scope, including superintending Level 3B facilities. Existing facilities are not required to close or change their status within three months. Compliance will be guided by facility category, level of risk and applicable legal requirements. The Ministry, PPB and KPA will continue consultations during implementation.

ppbkenya's tweet photo. Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale chaired a consultative meeting with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) and the Kenya Pharmaceutical Association (KPA) on the rollout of the 2026 Good Pharmacy Practice Standards.

Present were PPB Chairperson Dr. John Munyu and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ahmed Mohammed; KPA Deputy President Williamson Chumba and Secretary General Eric Gichane.

The meeting clarified that qualified and licensed pharmaceutical technologists may continue practising within their legal scope, including superintending Level 3B facilities. Existing facilities are not required to close or change their status within three months. Compliance will be guided by facility category, level of risk and applicable legal requirements.

The Ministry, PPB and KPA will continue consultations during implementation.

ppbkenya retweeted

about 13 hours ago

Kenya Confirms First Imported Case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease The Ministry of Health has confirmed Kenya’s first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease in a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The patient fell ill about a month ago and received treatment at several hospitals in the DRC. He travelled by road to Kampala before boarding Jambo Jet flight 8523 to Nairobi, arriving on Saturday, 3 October, at 1:10 p.m. After arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, he was taken to Nairobi Hospital, where he was isolated and assessed. He was later transferred to the hospital’s East Wing Isolation Facility. His symptoms included fever, chills, fatigue, muscle pain, painful swallowing, a sore throat and bleeding under the skin at injection sites. Following assessment of his symptoms and travel history, a sample was collected for testing. The National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute independently confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease. The patient received supportive treatment but has since died. The Ministry has conveyed its condolences to his family and friends. Arrangements for a safe and dignified burial are underway in line with Ebola burial protocols. The Ministry has identified 28 contacts, including family members and health workers who attended to the patient. It is also tracing 23 passengers and four crew members who travelled on the same flight. Quarantine arrangements are underway for people considered to be at risk. Kenya has maintained a heightened alert for Ebola since the outbreak began in May 2026. As of 6 October, health authorities had screened 652,584 travellers and tested 267 samples across five laboratories: the National Virology Reference Laboratory, Kenya Medical Research Institute laboratories in Nairobi and Kisumu, and mobile laboratories at the Busia and Lwakhakha border points. One sample has tested positive. A total of 4,971 health workers at national and sub-national levels have received training in Ebola prevention and management. The Ministry has also notified the World Health Organization in line with the International Health Regulations. Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale, EGH, reassured the public that systems are in place to respond and urged Kenyans not to panic. He encouraged frequent handwashing or use of alcohol-based hand rubs, avoiding close contact with sick people arriving from countries reporting active Ebola transmission, and seeking care at a recognised health facility if unwell. Members of the public should also report anyone who is unwell to the nearest health facility. Health workers have been urged to remain vigilant and consistently apply infection prevention and control measures. The public is encouraged to follow official Ministry of Health channels and call the toll-free 719 health information line for updates. The Ministry will continue to provide information as it becomes available. The Cabinet Secretary was joined at the briefing by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga; Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms Mary Muthoni; Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, World Health Organization Country Director Dr Neema Kimambo; Nairobi Hospital Chief Executive Officer Mr Felix Osano; Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary General Dr Ahmed Idris; and Ministry departmental and divisional heads.

MOH_Kenya's tweet photo. Kenya Confirms First Imported Case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease

The Ministry of Health has confirmed Kenya’s first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease in a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The patient fell ill about a month ago and received treatment at several hospitals in the DRC. He travelled by road to Kampala before boarding Jambo Jet flight 8523 to Nairobi, arriving on Saturday, 3 October, at 1:10 p.m.

After arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, he was taken to Nairobi Hospital, where he was isolated and assessed. He was later transferred to the hospital’s East Wing Isolation Facility. His symptoms included fever, chills, fatigue, muscle pain, painful swallowing, a sore throat and bleeding under the skin at injection sites.

Following assessment of his symptoms and travel history, a sample was collected for testing. The National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute independently confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease.

The patient received supportive treatment but has since died. The Ministry has conveyed its condolences to his family and friends. Arrangements for a safe and dignified burial are underway in line with Ebola burial protocols.

The Ministry has identified 28 contacts, including family members and health workers who attended to the patient. It is also tracing 23 passengers and four crew members who travelled on the same flight. Quarantine arrangements are underway for people considered to be at risk.

Kenya has maintained a heightened alert for Ebola since the outbreak began in May 2026. As of 6 October, health authorities had screened 652,584 travellers and tested 267 samples across five laboratories: the National Virology Reference Laboratory, Kenya Medical Research Institute laboratories in Nairobi and Kisumu, and mobile laboratories at the Busia and Lwakhakha border points. One sample has tested positive.

A total of 4,971 health workers at national and sub-national levels have received training in Ebola prevention and management. The Ministry has also notified the World Health Organization in line with the International Health Regulations.

Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale, EGH, reassured the public that systems are in place to respond and urged Kenyans not to panic. He encouraged frequent handwashing or use of alcohol-based hand rubs, avoiding close contact with sick people arriving from countries reporting active Ebola transmission, and seeking care at a recognised health facility if unwell. Members of the public should also report anyone who is unwell to the nearest health facility.

Health workers have been urged to remain vigilant and consistently apply infection prevention and control measures. The public is encouraged to follow official Ministry of Health channels and call the toll-free 719 health information line for updates. The Ministry will continue to provide information as it becomes available.

The Cabinet Secretary was joined at the briefing by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga; Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms Mary Muthoni; Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, World Health Organization Country Director Dr Neema Kimambo; Nairobi Hospital Chief Executive Officer Mr Felix Osano; Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary General Dr Ahmed Idris; and Ministry departmental and divisional heads.

1 day ago

Africa urged to harmonise drug regulation to boost access to safe medicines https://t.co/GKWtj41ZjV #

SHA facilitates healthcare services from enlisted providers by pooling contributions—ensuring equitable distribution of quality healthcare.

1 day ago

Mr. Kibet Kisorio, Head of Legal Services at PPB, explains how the department safeguards the Board’s mandate and ensures it operates within the law.

Who to follow

Social Health Authority

@_shakenya

Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority

@KenyaHealthPOA

The Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority is a body corporate established under part VI section 45 (1) of the Health Act of 2017.

Nursing Council of Kenya

@NCKenya

Our mandate under @MOH_Kenya Promote Quality Nursing, Education & Practice | Examinations | Registration 📧 [email protected]📱 0721920567

2 days ago

https://t.co/vaGsrvMLHR

4 days ago

https://t.co/MnumJqYZVI

4 days ago

Chair Calls for Stronger Regulatory Collaboration in Africa Pharmacy and Poisons Board Chairperson Dr. John M. Munyu, MBS, has called for stronger regulatory collaboration and harmonisation across Africa to improve access to safe, quality, effective and affordable health products. In his closing remarks at the 6th PharmaReg & MedDevReg AfriSummit 2026 on 28 September, Dr. Munyu also urged greater support for local manufacturing and African-made health products, with patients at the centre of regulatory efforts. He called on delegates to turn the knowledge and experiences shared at the Summit into practical action, improved regulatory practices and sustainable partnerships, saying these would measure the Summit’s success.

ppbkenya's tweet photo. Chair Calls for Stronger Regulatory Collaboration in Africa

Pharmacy and Poisons Board Chairperson Dr. John M. Munyu, MBS, has called for stronger regulatory collaboration and harmonisation across Africa to improve access to safe, quality, effective and affordable health products.

In his closing remarks at the 6th PharmaReg & MedDevReg AfriSummit 2026 on 28 September, Dr. Munyu also urged greater support for local manufacturing and African-made health products, with patients at the centre of regulatory efforts.

He called on delegates to turn the knowledge and experiences shared at the Summit into practical action, improved regulatory practices and sustainable partnerships, saying these would measure the Summit’s success.

5 days ago

Kenya is strengthening its use of trusted regulatory decisions to support more efficient assessment of health products. Speaking on the “Regulatory Updates” panel at AfriSummit 2026, Dr. Purity Mutinda outlined the Pharmacy and Poisons Board’s abridged, expedited and immediate recognition pathways. These pathways draw on decisions by reference authorities, including the US FDA, EU Notified Bodies, TGA, Health Canada, PMDA and WHO. She also highlighted the need to strengthen quality management system auditing, improve digital regulatory platforms, expand stakeholder engagement and use artificial intelligence in screening and evaluations. The Board is investing in continuous training for assessors and auditors and keeping pace with emerging technologies, including machine learning and software as a medical device. Dr. Mutinda also emphasised collaboration with the African Medicines Agency to advance regulatory reliance across the continent. #AfriSummit2026

ppbkenya's tweet photo. Kenya is strengthening its use of trusted regulatory decisions to support more efficient assessment of health products.

Speaking on the “Regulatory Updates” panel at AfriSummit 2026, Dr. Purity Mutinda outlined the Pharmacy and Poisons Board’s abridged, expedited and immediate recognition pathways. These pathways draw on decisions by reference authorities, including the US FDA, EU Notified Bodies, TGA, Health Canada, PMDA and WHO.

She also highlighted the need to strengthen quality management system auditing, improve digital regulatory platforms, expand stakeholder engagement and use artificial intelligence in screening and evaluations. The Board is investing in continuous training for assessors and auditors and keeping pace with emerging technologies, including machine learning and software as a medical device.

Dr. Mutinda also emphasised collaboration with the African Medicines Agency to advance regulatory reliance across the continent.

#AfriSummit2026

6 days ago

Strengthening Medical Device Regulation Across Africa Africa is making progress towards harmonised regulation of medical devices and in vitro diagnostic devices (IVDs), with initiatives supporting common requirements and greater reliance on trusted regulatory decisions. At Afri Summit 2026, Dr. Pauline Wairimu, Head of Medical Devices at the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), highlighted the contribution of the AMRH Initiative, the African Medical Devices Forum and the African Medicines Agency (AMA). She noted that regulatory fragmentation, capacity gaps and weak post-market surveillance remain challenges. Strengthening regulatory oversight, expanding digital systems, supporting local manufacturing and building sustainable regulatory capacity are essential to improving access to safe, quality-assured medical devices and IVDs across Africa.

ppbkenya's tweet photo. Strengthening Medical Device Regulation Across Africa

Africa is making progress towards harmonised regulation of medical devices and in vitro diagnostic devices (IVDs), with initiatives supporting common requirements and greater reliance on trusted regulatory decisions.

At Afri Summit 2026, Dr. Pauline Wairimu, Head of Medical Devices at the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), highlighted the contribution of the AMRH Initiative, the African Medical Devices Forum and the African Medicines Agency (AMA).

She noted that regulatory fragmentation, capacity gaps and weak post-market surveillance remain challenges. Strengthening regulatory oversight, expanding digital systems, supporting local manufacturing and building sustainable regulatory capacity are essential to improving access to safe, quality-assured medical devices and IVDs across Africa.

ppbkenya retweeted

7 days ago

Have you registered for KEPHIC 2026? Join public health leaders, experts and partners shaping stronger approaches to prevention, preparedness and response. 📅 27–29 October 2026 📍 KICC, Nairobi 🔗 Register now: https://t.co/MMSX2V6tXk #KEPHIC2026

MOH_Kenya's tweet photo. Have you registered for KEPHIC 2026?

Join public health leaders, experts and partners shaping stronger approaches to prevention, preparedness and response.

📅 27–29 October 2026
📍 KICC, Nairobi
🔗 Register now: https://t.co/MMSX2V6tXk

#KEPHIC2026 https://t.co/cpCPYNOpAS

ppbkenya retweeted

The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK)

7 days ago

Why Kenya must put prevention at the heart of public health https://t.co/6ixIkSFQx4 #

ppbkenya retweeted

@PSofKenya

7 days ago

Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya backs strict new pharmacy rules amid growing practitioner mutiny over dispensing rights. https://t.co/Tl3KaXYybx

7 days ago

Kenya is moving towards an integrated national system that will enable health products to be authenticated and traced across the supply chain, improving visibility and supporting targeted recalls. Presenting on “From Policy to Implementation: Kenya’s Roadmap to Full Pharmaceutical Track and Trace and Serialization” at the ongoing PharmaReg AfriSummit 2026, Pharmacy and Poisons Board Technical Advisor to the CEO Dr. Bramuel Tongola highlighted the country’s phased approach to strengthening product authentication and traceability. He outlined progress in implementing the national authentication and traceability system, which is anchored in the Digital Health Act, 2023. PPB has begun batch declarations for locally manufactured and imported products and, in collaboration with the Digital Health Agency, developed a national product catalogue. From 1 January 2027, the requirements will combine batch-level traceability with GS1-compliant unit-level serialization. Longer-term implementation will focus on broader serialization, advanced analytics, system integration and international interoperability. The session emphasised that effective traceability depends on accurate product and supply-chain event data. #AfriSummit2026 #PPB

ppbkenya's tweet photo. Kenya is moving towards an integrated national system that will enable health products to be authenticated and traced across the supply chain, improving visibility and supporting targeted recalls.

Presenting on “From Policy to Implementation: Kenya’s Roadmap to Full Pharmaceutical Track and Trace and Serialization” at the ongoing PharmaReg AfriSummit 2026, Pharmacy and Poisons Board Technical Advisor to the CEO Dr. Bramuel Tongola highlighted the country’s phased approach to strengthening product authentication and traceability.

He outlined progress in implementing the national authentication and traceability system, which is anchored in the Digital Health Act, 2023. PPB has begun batch declarations for locally manufactured and imported products and, in collaboration with the Digital Health Agency, developed a national product catalogue.

From 1 January 2027, the requirements will combine batch-level traceability with GS1-compliant unit-level serialization. Longer-term implementation will focus on broader serialization, advanced analytics, system integration and international interoperability.

The session emphasised that effective traceability depends on accurate product and supply-chain event data.

#AfriSummit2026 #PPB

7 days ago

PPB flags falsified eye drug circulating in Kenya, one person arrested https://t.co/2hUIgTsU6s

8 days ago

Pharmacy and Poisons Board CEO Dr. Ahmed Mohamed joined Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale at the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies. The event recognised MEDS’ contribution to the sourcing, testing, quality assurance and distribution of essential medicines and health products since 1986. It also marked the launch of MEDS Devane Company Limited.

ppbkenya's tweet photo. Pharmacy and Poisons Board CEO Dr. Ahmed Mohamed joined Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale at the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies.

The event recognised MEDS’ contribution to the sourcing, testing, quality assurance and distribution of essential medicines and health products since 1986. It also marked the launch of MEDS Devane Company Limited.

8 days ago

ppbkenya retweeted

8 days ago

Reliable access to safe, effective and affordable medicines remains central to Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda as the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies marks 40 years of service to the health sector. Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale presided over the organisation’s 40th anniversary celebrations, reflecting on its contribution to the sourcing, testing, quality assurance and distribution of essential medicines and health products since its establishment in 1986. Hon. Duale said Universal Health Coverage must be measured by the experience of patients at the point of care, including their ability to obtain medicines and health products that are safe, effective, affordable and meet the required quality standards. For four decades, MEDS has supported health facilities across the country by strengthening access to essential medicines and providing independent quality-testing services. Its commitment to quality is demonstrated by the World Health Organization prequalification it has maintained since 2009, ISO 9001:2015 certification and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation attained in 2024. The Cabinet Secretary also recognised the contribution of faith-based health facilities to healthcare delivery under the Social Health Authority framework. A total of 876 faith-based facilities currently have active SHA contracts, with 530 using the system to transact. The facilities have submitted claims valued at KES 41.1 billion, of which KES 29.8 billion has been settled. Hon. Duale said progress under SHA must be accompanied by continued improvements in claims processing and settlement. Reliable and timely payments will enable health facilities to maintain uninterrupted services and ensure the consistent availability of essential medicines and supplies. He further highlighted the role of digital systems in improving accountability and visibility across the health sector. These reforms are being implemented alongside Kenya’s efforts to strengthen its health systems and regulatory capabilities towards attaining World Health Organization Maturity Level 3. As MEDS enters its fifth decade, the Cabinet Secretary called for greater investment in resilient supply chains, a skilled and adequately equipped health workforce and strong independent quality-testing systems. The celebrations also opened a new chapter for the organisation with the launch of MEDS Devane Company Limited. The special-purpose vehicle will support MEDS’ expansion into the private market and provide a platform for exploring additional opportunities within the healthcare sector. Present were Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms. Mary Muthoni; Kenya Medical Supplies Authority Chief Executive Officer Dr. Waqo Ejersa; Pharmacy and Poisons Board Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ahmed Mohamed; MEDS Chairperson Rt. Rev. Cleophas Oseso; and MEDS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Wycliffe Nandama.

MOH_Kenya's tweet photo. Reliable access to safe, effective and affordable medicines remains central to Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda as the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies marks 40 years of service to the health sector.

Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale presided over the organisation’s 40th anniversary celebrations, reflecting on its contribution to the sourcing, testing, quality assurance and distribution of essential medicines and health products since its establishment in 1986.

Hon. Duale said Universal Health Coverage must be measured by the experience of patients at the point of care, including their ability to obtain medicines and health products that are safe, effective, affordable and meet the required quality standards.

For four decades, MEDS has supported health facilities across the country by strengthening access to essential medicines and providing independent quality-testing services.

Its commitment to quality is demonstrated by the World Health Organization prequalification it has maintained since 2009, ISO 9001:2015 certification and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation attained in 2024.

The Cabinet Secretary also recognised the contribution of faith-based health facilities to healthcare delivery under the Social Health Authority framework.

A total of 876 faith-based facilities currently have active SHA contracts, with 530 using the system to transact. The facilities have submitted claims valued at KES 41.1 billion, of which KES 29.8 billion has been settled.

Hon. Duale said progress under SHA must be accompanied by continued improvements in claims processing and settlement. Reliable and timely payments will enable health facilities to maintain uninterrupted services and ensure the consistent availability of essential medicines and supplies.

He further highlighted the role of digital systems in improving accountability and visibility across the health sector. These reforms are being implemented alongside Kenya’s efforts to strengthen its health systems and regulatory capabilities towards attaining World Health Organization Maturity Level 3.

As MEDS enters its fifth decade, the Cabinet Secretary called for greater investment in resilient supply chains, a skilled and adequately equipped health workforce and strong independent quality-testing systems.

The celebrations also opened a new chapter for the organisation with the launch of MEDS Devane Company Limited. The special-purpose vehicle will support MEDS’ expansion into the private market and provide a platform for exploring additional opportunities within the healthcare sector.

Present were Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms. Mary Muthoni; Kenya Medical Supplies Authority Chief Executive Officer Dr. Waqo Ejersa; Pharmacy and Poisons Board Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ahmed Mohamed; MEDS Chairperson Rt. Rev. Cleophas Oseso; and MEDS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Wycliffe Nandama.

ppbkenya retweeted

Citizen TV Kenya

@citizentvkenya

8 days ago

OPINION: A one health approach placing communities at the centre of healthcare https://t.co/r5wG8JAd4J

8 days ago

Quality-assured generic medicines depend on credible and sustainable bioequivalence systems. In a panel discussion titled “A Collaborative Path Forward for Strengthening Bioequivalence Ecosystems in Africa” at PharmaReg AfriSummit 2026, Pharmacy and Poisons Board Head of Bioequivalence Unit, Dr. Felistas Chepwogen, called for clear regulatory guidance, predictable timelines, phased implementation and sustained engagement with manufacturers. She also emphasised harmonised standards, shared technical expertise and greater regulatory reliance to reduce duplication while maintaining rigorous scientific standards and protecting patients. #AfriSummit2026

ppbkenya's tweet photo. Quality-assured generic medicines depend on credible and sustainable bioequivalence systems.

In a panel discussion titled “A Collaborative Path Forward for Strengthening Bioequivalence Ecosystems in Africa” at PharmaReg AfriSummit 2026, Pharmacy and Poisons Board Head of Bioequivalence Unit, Dr. Felistas Chepwogen, called for clear regulatory guidance, predictable timelines, phased implementation and sustained engagement with manufacturers.

She also emphasised harmonised standards, shared technical expertise and greater regulatory reliance to reduce duplication while maintaining rigorous scientific standards and protecting patients.

#AfriSummit2026