KNUPT Calls for Independent Probe After Medication Dispensing Incident in Eldoret

 The Kenya National Union of Pharmaceutical Technologists (KNUPT) has issued a detailed position statement following a medication dispensing incident at a registered pharmacy outlet in Eldoret City, Uasin Gishu County, after a video related to the matter circulated widely on social media.

In the statement dated February 27, 2026, the union said its attention had been drawn to the viral footage, which shows a pharmaceutical technologist being questioned over an alleged medication error involving a child. The video has since generated significant public debate online about professional accountability, patient safety, and the handling of complaints in healthcare settings.

Licensed Professional Involved

KNUPT confirmed that the pharmaceutical technologist at the center of the incident is a duly enrolled and licensed practitioner who has served the community for more than a decade. The union described the individual as a regulated health professional bound by established ethical, professional, and disciplinary standards.

“As a member of our regulated profession, we assure the public that all established procedures will be followed to thoroughly address and resolve this medication error,” the statement read in part.

Details of the Incident

According to the union, the incident occurred on February 23, 2026, during peak operating hours at the pharmacy. A client reportedly presented a handwritten prescription for an antiviral medication. KNUPT explained that the medicine in question is manufactured in different strengths and formulations, including ophthalmic (eye) and topical (skin) preparations, depending on the intended site of administration.

Such variations, the union noted, can increase the likelihood of dispensing errors, particularly when prescriptions are handwritten or ambiguous. High patient volumes during peak hours may further heighten the risk if extra caution is not exercised.

The error was later identified by the prescribing clinician and corrected promptly. On February 25, 2026, the child received the appropriate ophthalmic formulation of the antiviral agent. KNUPT stated that preliminary findings indicate the child is now recovering well.

Apology and Commitment to Safety

The union offered a public apology to the affected family and acknowledged the distress the incident may have caused.

“We sincerely apologize to the affected family and the wider public for this unfortunate and rare incident involving a dedicated, regulated pharmacy professional,” the statement said. “Medication safety is our highest priority, and no error is acceptable.”

KNUPT emphasized that pharmaceutical technologists play a critical role in Kenya’s healthcare system, particularly in community pharmacy settings, where they are often the first point of contact for patients seeking medical advice and treatment. The union reiterated its commitment to upholding the highest standards of pharmaceutical care, continuous professional development, and patient safety nationwide.

Call for Independent Investigation

The union has called on the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) — the statutory body mandated to regulate pharmacy practice in Kenya — to conduct a thorough and independent fact-finding inquiry into the incident. It also urged the involvement of other relevant regulatory authorities, including the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council, where applicable.

KNUPT said the inquiry should follow established ethical and disciplinary procedures to determine the root causes of the error and recommend corrective and preventive measures. The union pledged its full cooperation with any investigation and expressed readiness to support improvements aimed at reducing the risk of similar incidents in the future.

Concerns Over Social Media Circulation

While acknowledging that clients have the right to document interactions for personal evidence and to submit complaints to regulatory authorities, KNUPT cautioned against the public dissemination of such recordings on social media.

The union argued that sharing videos online may infringe on the privacy rights of regulated health professionals and potentially compromise due process. It encouraged members of the public to utilize official complaint channels when seeking redress.

The viral nature of the video has sparked broader conversations about accountability in healthcare, patient advocacy, and the impact of social media on professional reputations. Healthcare experts note that while transparency is important, regulatory frameworks exist to ensure that investigations are conducted fairly and based on verified evidence.

Wider Implications

The incident has reignited discussions about medication safety protocols in busy pharmacy environments, including the risks associated with handwritten prescriptions. Some health professionals have advocated for increased adoption of electronic prescribing systems to minimize ambiguity and reduce dispensing errors.

Patient safety advocates, meanwhile, stress the importance of clear communication between prescribers, dispensers, and caregivers, particularly when medications are available in multiple formulations or strengths.

As investigations proceed, KNUPT maintains that it remains committed to constructive dialogue and systemic improvements that strengthen Kenya’s healthcare delivery.

The outcome of the regulatory inquiry is expected to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident and may inform future policy recommendations aimed at enhancing medication safety standards across the country.