The government has mandated the pharmaceutical manufacturers in Kenya to adhere to GS1 global standards by 31st December 2026 in an effort to reinforce security, traceability, and authenticity of medicines and other health commodities.
The deadline was announced by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga at a Health Products and Technologies Stakeholder Breakfast Meeting at Villa Rosa Kempinski in Nairobi.
Representing Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Dr Oluga stated that The National Logistics Management Information System (NLMIS) and its integrated digital Track and Trace solution will improve the visibility of health commodities from the production facilities to the patients.
“The digital system will help to detect and take action against falsified and substandard medicines beyond increase transparency and accountability at each stage of the pharmaceutical supply chain, ” he said.
According to PS, increased traceability will further improve procurement efficiency, ensure value for money under SHA and access to safe, quality, and affordable health products.
Dr Oluga further reiterated the government’s commitment to support for local pharmaceutical manufacturers with incentives, better financing, stable supply, and regulatory reforms.
He also appealed to producers and suppliers to work with the Ministry of Health and other institutions to meet the December deadline.
The initiative is being spearheaded by the Digital Health Agency (DHA), alongside the Directorate of Health Products and Technologies, KEMSA and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.
