The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) has called on county governments to work with national regulators to crack down on unlicensed pharmacies operating across the country.
The society said pharmaceutical outlets should have valid licences before being allowed to operate. It also clarified that a county-issued Single Business Permit does not by itself authorise a business to operate as a pharmacy.
PSK said regulation of pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical premises falls under the national pharmaceutical regulatory framework.
The society urged county governments to strengthen cooperation with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) to improve licensing and compliance checks.
According to PSK, better coordination would help identify unlicensed outlets and people who are not qualified to provide pharmaceutical services.
The society also raised concerns about the uneven distribution and utilisation of pharmacists across the country. It said Kenya has more than 5,600 pharmacists, but only about 2,800 currently renew their annual practising licences.
PSK said the focus should not only be on the number of pharmacies in the country but also on ensuring that people in underserved areas can access qualified pharmaceutical care.
The call comes amid ongoing efforts by health authorities and the PPB to tackle counterfeit, substandard and improperly handled medicines. The society urged members of the public to obtain medicines from licensed pharmacies and authorised outlets.
PSK further called for a regulatory system that ensures licensed professionals are not subjected to stricter requirements while unlicensed outlets continue operating outside the law.
The society made the appeal on World Pharmacists Day 2026 as stakeholders continued discussions on improving the safety and quality of pharmaceutical services in Kenya.