The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has in its crackdown in the western region arrested 39 people in connection with operating 86 illegal pharmacies.
Those found operating illegal pharmacies were charged with, among others, possession of part 1 poisons and carrying on the business of a pharmacist while not registered and at premises that are not registered.
The pharmacies were found in Western areas of Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma and Busia counties.
Of the 39 arrested, 20 were in Kakamega, 10 Bungoma, seven in Vihiga and two in Busia.
PPB officer Dominic Kariuki said they were concerned about the absence of superintendents at licensed pharmacies, which he said were left in the hands of unqualified people, putting Kenyans’ lives in danger.
“We have summoned professionals who have been found engaging in the malpractices for disciplinary action by the board’s disciplinary committee,” Dr Kariuki said.