Hundreds of hospitals and chemists across the coast are set to be dealt a blow after the government announced plans to tighten control of the sale of prescription medicines.
This is after Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir sounded the alarm over what he described as a 'silent public health crisis' in the local community.
While noting the rampant misuse of prescription medicines, the Mombasa governor revealed he had fronted measures to control the sale of these medicines to members of the public after discussions with Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
If the proposals come to pass, only pharmacies within Level 4 hospitals and above will be allowed to sell prescription medicines.
“Prescription medicine misuse is robbing our communities of their youth, tearing apart families, and fueling a silent public health crisis,” said Governor Nassir.
According to the governor, the deliberate regulation of the sale of prescription drugs will be a coordinated effort between the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, NACADA, and the National Police.
He added, “This plan, intended to work hand in hand with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, NACADA, and the National Police, will ensure that only pharmacies within Level 4 hospitals and above can sell these medicine.”
Insisting, “No more backdoor sales. No more neighbourhood pharmacies acting as dens.”
Under the proposed directives, the sale of medications, including opioids and stimulants, will be limited to high-level institutions, leaving dispensaries, chemists and basic health centres, which are also managed by county governments, in limbo.
Similarly, private hospitals operating in residential areas could also be dealt a blow in what will be arguably the most aggressive intervention by the government against drug misuse.
On his part, Governor Abdulswamad vowed to follow up on the proposal 'to the very end.'
"We owe it to our people to act—and act decisively. Mombasa must lead, and Kenya must follow," he said.
Mombasa County has long grappled with a reputation as a hotspot for medicine misuse, with law enforcement agencies uncovering several narcotics operations in recent months.
As recently as February 2025, the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) confirmed the destruction of Ksh297 million worth of narcotics that were seized during a series of anti-drug crackdowns in the coastal region.
