26 bogus pharmacists arrested in Nairobi

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has announced a fresh crackdown on fake pharmacists. At least 26 bogus pharmacists were arrested by the board officials in a crackdown in parts of Nairobi over the weekend. The suspects are expected to appear in court today to face charges of operating illegally.

Those arrested include a herbalist who ran a mobile 'pharmacy' in his car.

The herbalist failed to explain to the board whether he was qualified to run such a business. He claimed the former City Council of Nairobi had issued him with a permit to operate his mobile 'chemist'.

The Board's Head of Good Distribution Practice Samuel Kerama said some chemists were being operated without valid licenses.

In the impromptu crackdown, the board said the 26 suspects were found to be unprofessional after they failed to produce the required documents.

"We have arrested 26 fake practitioners who operate chemists yet they are neither trained nor licensed to do so," he said. Kerama said the board has put in place measures including a countrywide crackdown to eliminate bogus pharmacists.

According to Kenya Pharmaceutical Association, there are close to 4,000 registered pharmacies while more than 5,000 operate illegally.