The Ministry of Health has defended the 2026 Good Pharmacy Practice Standards amid protests by Diploma in Pharmacy holders, insisting that the new regulations do not prevent qualified pharmacy professionals from practising. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the standards primarily distinguish between pharmacy professionals who practise within their legal scope and superintendents who carry overall professional and regulatory responsibility for a pharmaceutical facility.
Diploma and Degree Holders Can Still Practise
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 3, Duale maintained that both diploma and degree holders would continue working within Kenya’s health system as long as they are properly enrolled or registered, licensed and operate within their authorised scope of practice. The Ministry said the standards do not discriminate against pharmacy professionals based on their academic qualifications.
However, Duale explained that the minimum qualification for a superintendent would vary depending on the type of pharmaceutical services provided, the complexity of the facility and the level of risk involved. According to the Ministry, facilities offering more specialised or high-risk services require professionals with higher levels of training and competency to oversee operations.
Patient Safety at the Centre
Duale said the primary objective of the Good Pharmacy Practice Standards is to safeguard patients and improve the quality of pharmaceutical care. The Ministry argued that the new regulations are also intended to address unethical and illegal practices within the pharmacy sector. Among the practices targeted are the alleged leasing or renting of professional licences, running pharmaceutical premises without appropriate professional supervision, improper dispensing of medicines, misuse of antimicrobial drugs and diversion of narcotic and psychotropic substances.
Ministry Cites Constitutional Rights
The Ministry defended the legal foundation of the standards by referring to Articles 43 and 46 of the Constitution. Article 43 provides for the right to the highest attainable standard of health, while Article 46 protects consumers’ rights to quality goods and services, adequate information and the protection of their health and safety. The Ministry also cited Section 3B(3)(a) of the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, which requires the Pharmacy and Poisons Board to promote pharmacy practice that adheres to internationally accepted standards and values.
Standards Developed Through Consultations
Responding to concerns that pharmacy professionals were not adequately consulted, the Ministry said the standards were developed over more than five years. The process reportedly went through 11 iterations and included stakeholder consultations and technical reviews.
Participants included the Ministry of Health, county governments, professional associations representing diploma and degree holders, academic institutions, public and private healthcare facilities, the pharmaceutical industry and development partners. The Ministry said views submitted during the process were considered and incorporated where appropriate, based on the law, professional competency, patient safety and broader public health interests.
Implementation Set for January 2027
Duale said the Ministry remains willing to engage pharmacy professionals as concerns over the implementation of the standards continue. The Pharmacy and Poisons Board is also expected to issue further guidance and provide implementation support ahead of the regulations taking effect on January 1, 2027. The Ministry maintained that the standards are intended to strengthen professional practice, improve patient safety and enhance the quality of pharmaceutical services across the country.
