The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) of Kenya has called for urgent and coordinated regional action to safeguard the integrity of pharmaceutical supply chains across East Africa. Speaking at a multi-agency workshop in Nairobi, PPB Chief Executive Officer Dr. Fred M. Siyoi emphasized the need for cross-border collaboration in the fight against counterfeit and substandard medical products.
Dr. Siyoi underscored the importance of building robust and transparent supply systems, citing Kenya’s ongoing pilot of the Pharmaceutical Authentication and Traceability Program (PATP). The initiative, which leverages digital tracking technologies and artificial intelligence, is designed to verify the authenticity of medicines and ensure visibility throughout the supply chain. According to Dr. Siyoi, the PATP has already demonstrated promising results in deterring illicit products and protecting patients.
The Nairobi workshop brought together regional and international stakeholders including regulators, pharmaceutical manufacturers, logistics providers, ICT firms, and consumer representatives to develop joint strategies for enhancing pharmaceutical security. The participants explored innovative tools and policy frameworks aimed at strengthening regulatory systems, increasing public awareness, and harmonizing drug safety measures across the East African region.
Dr. Siyoi also reflected on the success of last year’s Operation African Star 1, a coordinated enforcement action that helped intercept a significant volume of illegal health products. Building on that momentum, he called for continued vigilance and shared responsibility among East African nations to ensure that only safe and effective medicines reach the public.
“Strengthening pharmaceutical supply chains is not just a national concern—it is a regional imperative,” said Dr. Siyoi. “We must move beyond borders, share intelligence, align regulations, and support each other in the mission to protect public health.”
As the demand for medicines grows across East Africa, experts at the workshop reiterated the need for investment in digital infrastructure, real-time monitoring, and capacity-building for regulators. The PPB’s leadership in piloting cutting-edge solutions like PATP signals a crucial step toward a more secure and transparent pharmaceutical ecosystem in the region.
