Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has clarified details of the new 2026 Good Pharmacy Practice Standards following protests by diploma-holding pharmacists in Kenya.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a statement on Thursday, September 3, Duale said the new standards do not in any way prevent diploma holders or any other category of pharmacy professionals from practising in Kenya.

“The Standards do not bar any category of pharmacy professionals, whether diploma or degree holders, from practising or working at any level of the health system,” Duale stated.

He explained that all pharmacy professionals would continue working at different levels of the health system as long as they are properly registered, licensed and operate within their lawful scope of practice.

📌 What You Need to Know

The clarification followed protests by pharmaceutical technologists represented by the Kenya Pharmaceutical Association (KPA), who raised concerns over the proposed pharmacy practice guidelines.

The pharmaceutical technologists are particularly concerned about the rules governing who can serve as the superintendent of pharmacy services in health facilities.

They argue that the guidelines prevent diploma holders from managing pharmacy services in Level 3 facilities, including health centres and comprehensive community clinics.

However, the Health CS said the standards distinguish between working as a pharmacy professional and serving as a superintendent.

According to Duale, a superintendent is the person responsible for overseeing pharmaceutical services and ensuring the facility meets professional and regulatory requirements.

He said pharmacy professionals from different cadres would continue working together across the health sector, with the superintendent’s qualifications matching the type, complexity and risk level of services offered at each facility.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke