Government Declares War on Fake Medicines as Duale Unveils Nationwide Crackdown

The government has stepped up the fight against counterfeit and substandard medicines, launching a nationwide crackdown aimed at protecting Kenyans from unsafe drugs that continue to threaten lives and undermine confidence in the healthcare system.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Wednesday inaugurated an Interministerial Steering Committee (ISC) that will spearhead the implementation of Kenya's National Action Plan against substandard and falsified medical products.

Describing fake medicines as a growing public health crisis, Duale said the problem not only puts patients' lives at risk but also threatens the success of the country's Taifa Care programme and the broader goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

"Counterfeit and substandard medicines contribute to treatment failure, antimicrobial resistance and preventable deaths. They also erode public confidence in our healthcare system," Duale said.

He stressed that tackling the illegal trade requires coordinated action from all sectors.

"The fight against substandard and falsified medical products requires a whole-of-government approach. Success will depend on stronger collaboration among regulators, law enforcement agencies, county governments, healthcare professionals, manufacturers, distributors, development partners and the public," he added.

Tougher Enforcement

The newly established committee will provide strategic leadership and coordinate government agencies responsible for pharmaceutical regulation, border control, law enforcement and public health.

Its mandate includes strengthening policies, closing regulatory loopholes and improving coordination in detecting, investigating and removing fake medicines from the market.

The move comes amid increased enforcement efforts by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), which has significantly intensified surveillance across the pharmaceutical supply chain.

According to PPB data, the regulator handled 1,413 medicine quality complaints between 2021 and 2025, coordinated 99 product recalls, received 32,833 reports of adverse drug reactions, and issued 18 public alerts warning Kenyans about suspected counterfeit medicines.

Since January 2025 alone, the agency has already overseen 58 product recalls and issued 14 rapid public alerts, highlighting increased vigilance in protecting consumers.

Hundreds of Illegal Pharmacies Shut Down

Government enforcement operations have also led to the closure of more than 200 non-compliant pharmaceutical outlets, with several suspects arrested and prosecuted for engaging in the illegal medicine trade.

Officials say the crackdown is intended to dismantle networks responsible for distributing counterfeit drugs while ensuring only safe, effective and quality medicines reach patients.

Duale reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to working with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other development partners to strengthen medicine regulation through improved surveillance, intelligence sharing, digital tracking systems and stronger enforcement.

"Our goal is to ensure every Kenyan has access to safe, quality, effective and affordable medicines while safeguarding the integrity of the country's pharmaceutical supply chain," he said.

The launch of the steering committee brought together senior government officials, including Council of Governors Vice Chairperson and Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, Council of Governors CEO Mary Mwiti, Pharmacy and Poisons Board Chairperson Dr. John Munyu, PPB CEO Dr. Ahmed Mohamed, representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), IGAD, and other development partners.

As Kenya strengthens its fight against counterfeit medicines, health authorities are urging the public to purchase drugs only from licensed pharmacies and report suspected fake medical products to regulators, warning that public vigilance remains one of the strongest weapons in protecting lives.