The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) chairman, Dr John Munyu, has
called for wide-ranging reforms aimed at strengthening Kenya’s medicines
regulation and improving efficiency in the oversight of medicines and health
products.
Speaking during the official opening of the Board of Directors and
Management Meeting on review and consideration of key organisational policy and governance documents in Mombasa on Monday, Dr Munyu said the reforms will focus on
high-impact areas that improve service delivery, strengthen accountability and
enhance regulatory effectiveness.
He emphasised the need to leverage cutting-edge technology to modernise
regulatory processes and improve turnaround time in service delivery.
“Technology will be critical in transforming how we deliver our mandate.
ICT and emerging innovations, including Artificial Intelligence, are game
changers that can help us improve efficiency and ensure timely delivery of
services,” Dr Munyu said.
The Chair identified human resource development as a key pillar of the
reform agenda, describing human capital as the organisation’s greatest asset
and the engine that drives institutional performance.
“The quality of management determines the quality of performance and the
effectiveness of service delivery within any organisation,” he said, urging
continued investment in staff capacity, teamwork and professionalism.
Dr Munyu further called for strengthening internal audit and risk
management systems, enhancing regulatory enforcement, and ensuring strict
compliance with pharmaceutical laws and standards.
“As a regulator, we have a responsibility to enforce the law. Compliance
is not optional. Our focus must be on areas that deliver the greatest impact in
protecting public health and ensuring order within the pharmaceutical sector,”
he said.
He also underscored the importance of strengthening public
communication, institutional rebranding and effective resource mobilisation to
support the organisation’s regulatory mandate.
Dr Munyu reiterated the importance of clear institutional roles, noting
that the Board of Directors provides oversight and policy direction, while
management is responsible for implementing approved policies, programmes and
work plans.
He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to achieving WHO Global
Benchmarking Tool Maturity Level 3 (ML3) status, alongside undertaking a
mid-term review of the performance contract and the current strategic plan to
inform development of the next strategic framework.
During the retreat, Chief Executive Officer Dr Ahmed Mohammed acknowledged
the leadership and guidance provided by the Board of Directors, noting that
their support has been instrumental in advancing regulatory reforms and
strengthening institutional performance.
The five-day forum is also reviewing key organisational policies and
governance documents aimed at strengthening institutional governance, improving
accountability and aligning operations with the organisation’s strategic
priorities.
Dr Munyu urged management to work smart, remain persistent and
strengthen teamwork, emphasising that professionalism, discipline and
collaboration will be critical in delivering impactful reforms and safeguarding
public health.
Board members present at the meeting included Dr Maurice Kodhiambo, Dr
Isha Anand, Dr Tadudi Aly Omar, Bernard Maiyo and Serah Kisilu.