This archive report was first published on 31 July 2020.
As of 2020, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) is the body responsible for assessing and licensing qualified pharmacists across Kenya. The PPB offers assessments for both diploma and degree levels, provided the individual studied at a recognized institution. Foreign individuals seeking to work in Kenya as pharmaceutical technologists or pharmacists must also undergo assessment tests.
The PPB was established under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, Chapter 244, and serves as the Drug Regulatory Authority in Kenya. Its primary functions include controlling the manufacture and distribution of drugs and poisons, ensuring professionalism among those handling them, and setting standards for safety, efficacy, and quality of locally manufactured, exported, imported, and distributed drugs, chemicals, and medical equipment.
On October 23, 2013, the PPB launched a digital portal to streamline operations and enhance convenience. The portal allows learners and license seekers to access clinical trials, professional verifications, payment methods, and registration processes.
To register as a pharmacist or pharmaceutical technologist, one must hold a diploma or degree in a relevant pharmaceutical course from a recognized institution. The PPB offers two types of examinations: Level I and II for Pharmaceutical Technologists, and Stage I and II for Pharmacists.
Level I is administered to individuals with a diploma from foreign colleges approved by the PPB, while Level II is for students from the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) and those who complete a 7-month attachment. Stage I is available to degree holders from foreign universities, who must complete a one-year internship supervised by the PPB. Stage II is administered to degree holders from the University of Nairobi and other approved Kenyan institutions.
Steps to follow for registration include logging into the PPB portal, navigating to the 'Exams' tab, choosing 'First Time' or 'Re-sit,' uploading required documents, and paying the applicable fees. Upon successful registration, the PPB portal will generate a receipt and send an examination card to the applicant's email.
After completing all tests successfully, one can track the status of their licensing process via the PPB portal. Registered pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists must hold an annually renewed license during practice.
