The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) has called on county governments to ensure pharmaceutical outlets obtain valid licences before being allowed to operate.In a statement issued on Friday, September 25, to mark World Pharmacists Day 2026, the society emphasised that a county-issued Single Business Permit does not authorise the practice of pharmacy or operation of a pharmaceutical premises. PSK argued that under the law, the oversight of pharmacy practice and facilities should be handled at the national level.“A County Government business permit is not a licence to practise pharmacy. The statutory regulation of pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical premises belongs within the national pharmaceutical regulatory framework,” the society stated.Subsequently, the lobby urged counties to work more closely with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) to align their licensing and compliance systems. The society explained that stronger coordination would help identify and remove unqualified individuals and unlicensed outlets from providing services that could put members of the public at risk. PSK said licensed professionals should not face stricter regulatory requirements while unlicensed outlets and unqualified practitioners continue operating freely. “County revenue collection must never inadvertently legitimise an unlawful pharmaceutical outlet,” the society warned.PSK also raised concerns over how pharmacists are utilised, deployed and distributed across the country, noting that their overall numbers were not the main concern.According to the society, there are more than 5,600 pharmacists in the country, however, only about 2,800 currently renew their annual practice licences. Additionally, PSK called for greater attention to underserved areas, arguing that access should be measured by the availability of pharmaceutical care rather than the number of outlets.The society’s appeal comes as the Ministry of Health and PPB step up efforts to curb counterfeit and substandard medicines, with Kenyans urged to buy drugs only from licensed pharmacies and authorised outlets.
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