The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has signed a deal with the Anti-Counterfeit Authority to work together in combating the problem of counterfeit medicines in the country.
The Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two on Tuesday aims to strengthen the regulation and enforcement of health product and technology owners' rights.
The focus will be on preventing the circulation of counterfeit health products within Kenya.
The deal was signed by the Anti-Counterfeit Authority Executive Director Dr Robi Njoroge Mbugua and PPB CEO Dr Fred Siyoi.
The ACA in a statement said the MoU between ACA and PPB aims to strengthen their collaborative efforts, fostering a comprehensive approach to tackling the trade in counterfeit and illicit medicines.
Key components of the agreement include the exchange of information, joint investigations, collaboration in training programmes, research, sharing of expertise, technical exchanges and outreach activities.
“Working committees will be established to implement the MoU, focusing on detailed planning and the execution of cooperative activities, defining the scope of action,” the statement said.
“This collaboration is anticipated to be a landmark step forward in Kenya's fight against counterfeit and illicit trade, marking a significant stride towards ensuring the safety of consumers and protecting public health,” it added.
Mbugua warned that the influx of counterfeit products, including medicines poses not only a threat to the market share of genuine products but critically jeopardizes the health and safety of consumers.
He reiterated that imported counterfeit products violate intellectual property rights and are strictly prohibited in the country.
Siyoi on the other hand reiterated the government's intensified efforts to counter the proliferation of counterfeit drugs in the country.
Siyoi underscored the board's commitment to enhancing pharmacovigilance measures to identify and eliminate dangerous products from the market.
“This strategic partnership underscores the shared commitment of the two government agencies to combat the pervasive trade in counterfeit and illicit medicines within the country,” they said.
According to ACA, in 2016 alone, customs officials across 16 countries, including Kenya, identified 113 million illicit and potentially dangerous medicines valued at Sh6 billion.
This is as per data from a joint initiative by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Institute for Research Against Counterfeit Medicines (IRACM).