The Ministry of Health has issued a strong warning to pharmacies, distributors and individuals over the illegal sale of prescription-only medicines, announcing tougher enforcement measures and sanctions for those who violate the law.

In a statement, the ministry reiterated that selling or dispensing prescription medicines without a valid doctor’s prescription is illegal and will attract serious consequences. These include the seizure of products, suspension or revocation of operating licences, and possible disciplinary or criminal proceedings against offenders.

At the centre of the latest enforcement drive is sildenafil, a prescription medicine commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction. The drug works by improving blood flow and is also prescribed for certain heart and lung conditions under strict medical supervision.

Health authorities warn that misuse of sildenafil can lead to dangerous side effects, particularly among people with underlying heart conditions or those taking specific medications, which is why it is restricted to prescription-only use.

To strengthen oversight, the ministry has rolled out new supply chain monitoring systems aimed at tracking medicines from manufacturers to pharmacy shelves. From January 1, 2026, batch and lot number declarations will be mandatory for all imported, exported and locally manufactured health products, a move intended to curb illegal distribution and improve accountability.

In addition, the ministry has finalised a Track and Authentication Standard for health products. Once formally adopted, the system is expected to enhance traceability across the pharmaceutical supply chain and make it easier to detect and prevent the sale of unregulated or illegally sourced medicines.

Enforcement efforts on the ground have also intensified. The ministry is conducting targeted, risk-based inspections of wholesalers, distributors and retail pharmacies, including detailed checks on prescription records. In Nairobi, all licensed wholesalers are currently undergoing 100 per cent inspections ahead of the 2026 licensing cycle.

Practitioners found to be in breach of regulations are routinely referred to the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, which has already handled more than ten cases. With new board members appointed in November, the committee is expected to be fully operational from January 2026, enabling faster resolution of pending cases.

Beyond inspections and sanctions, the ministry says it is investing in public awareness and professional training. Thousands of healthcare workers have already undergone compliance-focused training, while ongoing public education campaigns continue to warn Kenyans about the risks of using prescription medicines without proper medical advice.

The Ministry of Health says the crackdown is aimed at protecting public safety and ensuring that medicines such as sildenafil are used responsibly, under proper clinical guidance.