The Ministry of Health has announced the deployment of an online system for the declaration of batch numbers for all imported, exported and locally manufactured health products.
This was announced by Health CS Aden Duale in a statement released on December 23, where he revealed new measures in the crackdown on the unlawful sale of prescription-only medicines.
The online system will begin operation on January 1, 2026. Duale says that batch declaration will be mandatory and enforceable. The government aims to monitor the movement and sale of prescription medicines.
Duale also revealed that the Ministry has finalised the Track and Authentication Standard for Health Products and Technologies. The technology aims to enhance traceability, accountability, and visibility across the pharmaceutical supply chain.
The CS says that the Ministry is currently conducting 100 per cent inspections of all licensed wholesalers within the Nairobi Region in preparation for the 2026 licensing cycle.
Practitioners found to be non-compliant are routinely referred to the Board’s Ethics and Disciplinary Committee (EDC) for regulatory action.
Sanctions imposed by the Committee include suspension or revocation of practising licences. Duale revealed that over 10 practitioners have been presented before the EDC for disciplinary proceedings.
The new EDC Board Members were appointed on November 7, with the board expected to be fully operational from January 2026. The board is expected to handle pending cases and the referral of additional non-compliant practitioners for appropriate regulatory action.
In the statement, Duale also revealed that the Ministry is in advanced stages of completing the scheduling of medicines, which are expected to be publicly available to Kenyans.
The Ministry also intends to enhance regulatory clarity, support compliance by practitioners, and strengthen enforcement actions.
Duale also says that the Ministry has authorised the recruitment of additional regulatory staff, a process that is expected to significantly strengthen inspection coverage and enforcement at the retail pharmacy level.
The Ministry is conducting public education and awareness initiatives aimed at informing the public on the risks associated with the use of prescription-only medicines without appropriate medical authorisation.
