48 Illegal Drug Outlets Shut Down in Nairobi and Kajiado, 95 Suspects Arrested
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The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) raided and interdicted 48 outlets selling unlicensed medicines in Kajiado and Nairobi Counties and arrested 95 suspects.
Launched on 19 June 2026 and conducted by officers across the Kiber, Korogocho, Eastleigh, Dandora, Mathare, Embakasi, Nairobi West, and Rongai, the operation entailed visits to 155 different drug premises.
Officials discovered a general ignorance of pharmaceutical law and order, which led to numerous arrests and subsequent trials.
Of the 155 premises checked, 95 were conducting illicit business and have been arrested.
“The suspects have been presented in Kajiado, Kibra, and Makadara courts, and we are now waiting for the verdict,” explained PPB Head of Good Distribution Practices and Enforcement Julius Kaluai.
The Board directed the arrest of 48 facilities that were operating with invalid licenses.
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Combating Illegal Pharmaceutical Activities and Protecting Public Health
The board labelled the facilities and served closure notices to their prospects to preclude reopening.
PPB indicated it coordinated with county governments, the county security teams, and the National Police Service to implement the closures.
Kaluai said: “The facilities have already been marked, closure notices issued, and we have even written to the county security commanders, county governments, as well as the National Police Service to make sure they don’t reopen again.”
In the course of the operation, some 169 cartons of medicines were recovered from the various illegal outlets.
The Medicines are still in police custody pending directions from the court in respect of disposal.
Kaluai reiterated that operating a pharmaceutical premise without the appropriate licenses is illegal and also compromises public health.
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Pharmacy and Poisons Board Encourages Public Safety in the Pharmaceutical Sector
He encouraged all suppliers to adhere to the regulations, and those found guilty will face prosecution and further regulatory sanctions, including suspension or withdrawal of licensing.
He also urged the general public to purchase medicines only from registered and licensed pharmacies and chemists.
“It is a legal requirement that licensed pharmacies and chemists have their permits conspicuously displayed where customers can see them. Members of the public should always check for licenses before seeking services or purchasing medicines,” he stated.
PPB stated that it shall intensify its efforts on monitoring, enforcing, and creating awareness among the public to ensure the safety of Kenyans from unhygienic, unlicensed, and illegal activities in the pharmaceutical sector.
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PPB Cracks Down on Illegal Pharmacies, Arrests 95 in Nairobi and Kajiado. Credits PCS