Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has warned that manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of counterfeit or unregistered health products will face severe penalties, as authorities tighten regulation ahead of the festive season.

In a statement issued on Friday, Acting Chief Executive Ahmed Mohamed stressed the board’s commitment to ensuring only safe, authorised medicines reach consumers. He cautioned that those involved in the sale or distribution of fake or recalled medicines could face criminal prosecution. 

The warning extends to a wide range of individuals, from pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists to business owners and managers. The PPB has also clarified that prescription-only medicines must not be sold outside licensed pharmacies. 

Supermarkets, cosmetic shops, general retailers, and online platforms are prohibited from stocking such products. Businesses found in violation of these regulations may face sanctions, including licence suspension or closure. The board’s firm stance comes in response to increasing concerns over unauthorised sellers infiltrating the market and offering unsafe products to the public.

Citizens have been urged to report any suspicious medicines or outlets to the PPB, even if they are unsure about the authenticity of the products. The board emphasised that even a suspicion, rather than certainty, is enough to trigger action.

The crackdown is set against a wider context of rising concern about antimicrobial resistance, which is aggravated by the misuse of antibiotics. Kenyan healthcare professionals have repeatedly warned that self-diagnosis and over-the-counter purchases are contributing to the growing problem, diminishing the effectiveness of essential treatments. 

In August, the PPB reminded the public that antibiotics are not effective against viral infections like colds and flu, advising instead the use of natural remedies.