Kenya sets December deadline for drug makers to adopt global tracking standards

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 4-The Government has given pharmaceutical manufacturers until December 31, 2026, to adopt internationally recognised product identification standards as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against counterfeit and substandard medicines.

The new requirement will compel manufacturers to comply with GS1 standards, which support the identification and tracking of medicines and other health products throughout the supply chain, from production to the patient.

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga announced the deadline during a Health Products and Technologies Stakeholder Breakfast Meeting in Nairobi, where he called on manufacturers and suppliers to work with the Ministry of Health and its agencies to meet the compliance requirements.

Representing Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Oluga said the government was rolling out the National Logistics Management Information System (NLMIS) and an integrated digital Track and Trace solution to improve visibility of health products and strengthen accountability in their distribution.

The system is expected to make it easier to track medicines from manufacturers through suppliers and healthcare facilities, helping identify falsified products and improve the monitoring of medicine stocks.

Oluga said the initiative would also improve procurement efficiency, promote value for money under the Social Health Authority (SHA) and support access to safe, quality and affordable health products.

The government is also seeking to strengthen local pharmaceutical manufacturing through incentives, improved access to financing, predictable supply arrangements and regulatory reforms.

The Digital Health Agency (DHA) is spearheading the initiative in collaboration with the Directorate of Health Products and Technologies, Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB).

Manufacturers and suppliers have been urged to work closely with the agencies to ensure compliance before the December deadline.

​Bruhan Makong is a Senior News Reporter for Capital FM in Nairobi, covering diplomacy, foreign policy, national security, climate, and human rights across East Africa and the wider region.