Kenya recalls three widely used medications over safety concerns

By Daisy Okiring

Kenyan health authorities have recalled three popular pharmaceutical products following the discovery of quality defects, raising significant public health concerns.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), the country’s top drug regulatory agency, issued the recall after identifying issues during routine quality checks. Among the recalled products is a batch of paracetamol injection, a widely used over-the-counter painkiller and fever reducer. The affected batch exhibited a noticeable colour change, prompting officials to deem it unfit for human use.

“This visual change may signal chemical instability or contamination, which could render the medication ineffective or even harmful,” said an official from the PPB. Health experts warn that using compromised injectable drugs can lead to serious adverse reactions, especially in vulnerable patients.

The PPB has instructed all health facilities, pharmacies, and drug distributors to remove the affected products from their shelves and discontinue their use immediately. Investigations are ongoing to determine the root cause of the defect and whether any other batches might be affected.

Other drugs yet to be made public

The identity of the other two recalled drugs has not been made public yet, but the board assured that full details will be shared after further assessments. The public has also been urged to report any suspicious-looking medications to nearby health facilities or the PPB directly.

This incident underscores the need for stronger regulatory oversight and better quality control across Kenya’s pharmaceutical supply chain. Experts have called for increased funding, regular inspections, and stricter compliance standards to safeguard public health.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Health has assured the public that it is working closely with relevant authorities to protect consumers and prevent further distribution of unsafe medicines.