Duale defends new pharmacy standards as diploma holders protest

The Ministry of Health has defended the new 2026 Good Pharmacy Practice Standards, dismissing concerns that the regulations could prevent pharmacy professionals with diploma qualifications from practising.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the standards do not prohibit diploma holders from working in the pharmaceutical sector. Instead, he explained that the regulations make a distinction between professionals who practise pharmacy and those appointed as superintendents responsible for the overall management and regulatory compliance of a pharmaceutical facility.

The clarification follows demonstrations by pharmacy professionals holding diploma qualifications, who have raised concerns over the new requirements and their potential impact on their careers.

According to the Ministry, both diploma and degree holders will remain eligible to work at different levels of the health system as long as they are properly registered or enrolled, licensed and operate within the scope permitted by law.

However, Duale said the qualifications required to serve as a superintendent will vary depending on the type of pharmaceutical services offered by a facility. Facilities handling more complex or higher-risk services may require a professional with higher qualifications and specialised competencies.

The Ministry said the approach is intended to strengthen patient safety and improve the quality of pharmaceutical care rather than discriminate against a particular category of professionals.

Duale maintained that the standards are designed to address longstanding challenges within the pharmacy sector. These include the alleged leasing of professional licences, operation of pharmaceutical premises without adequate professional supervision and inappropriate dispensing of medicines.

The government also wants to tackle the misuse of antibiotics and other antimicrobials, as well as the diversion and improper handling of narcotic and psychotropic medicines.

The Health Ministry has defended the legal foundation of the standards, pointing to constitutional provisions that guarantee Kenyans the right to the highest attainable standard of health and protect consumers from unsafe or poor-quality services.

It also cited the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, which gives the Pharmacy and Poisons Board responsibility for promoting pharmacy practices that meet accepted professional standards.

Addressing criticism over public participation, the Ministry said the standards were not developed overnight. The process reportedly took more than five years and went through 11 different iterations, alongside technical reviews and consultations with stakeholders.

Those involved included national and county government representatives, professional organisations representing both diploma and degree holders, universities and other training institutions, public and private healthcare facilities, pharmaceutical industry players and development partners.

The Ministry said suggestions received during the consultation process were considered and incorporated where they were consistent with the law, professional competence requirements and patient safety.

Duale has nevertheless acknowledged the concerns raised by pharmacy professionals and said the government remains willing to engage them as preparations for implementation continue.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board is expected to provide further guidance to professionals and facilities before the new standards take effect.

The 2026 Good Pharmacy Practice Standards are scheduled to come into force on January 1, 2027, meaning pharmacy professionals and healthcare facilities have several months to understand the requirements and prepare for the changes.