The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) detained 95 individuals and closed 48 premises in a nationwide crackdown on unlicensed pharmaceutical outlets in Nairobi and parts of Kajiado. The week‑long operation, concluding on June 19, examined 155 sites across informal settlements such as Kibra, Korogocho, Eastleigh, Dandora, Mathare, Embakasi, Nairobi West, and Rongai. Head of Good Distribution Practices and Enforcement Julius Kaluai announced that the arrested suspects will be prosecuted in court and that the board is awaiting court directives for further legal action.
Kaluai explained that of the 155 premises inspected, 95 were non‑compliant and its operators have been handed over to the Kajiado law courts, with cases pending in Kibra and Makadara. Additionally, 48 outlets were working without valid licences; these sites received closure notices and have been marked for shutdown.
The board has notified county security commanders, as well as the relevant county governments and the National Police Service, to ensure the closures are enforced. letters to county commanders and copies to county governments and the national police have been issued.
During the raid, the PPB seized approximately 169 cartons of medicine from illegal outlets, which are now held by the board pending court‑ordered disposal in accordance with regulatory guidelines. Kaluai cautioned that operators of unlicensed pharmacies face prosecution and possible licence revocation, emphasizing the board’s ongoing enforcement to protect public health.
He urged the public to purchase medications only from registered pharmacies that display their licences openly. The PPB also announced plans to intensify public awareness campaigns and strengthen reporting channels for illegal pharmaceutical activities.