In a concerted effort to secure the regional pharmaceutical supply chain, Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) is piloting a new traceability platform to combat the growing threat of counterfeit and illicit drugs.
The initiative, called the Pharmaceuticals Authentication and Traceability Program (PATP), is a collaborative effort with Operation African Star 2 the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), Pharmacy and Poisons Board and Uganda National Drug Authority (NDA).
According to, PPB CEO, Dr. Fred Siyoi, this pilot is set to significantly enhance the integrity of pharmaceutical supply chains in the region.
“The PATP will use the NABP Pulse traceability platform to meticulously track human drugs from their point of entry into Kenya and Uganda to their final dispensing at participating pharmacies.”
Dr. Siyoi explained that this system will enable consistent communication among trusted supply chain partners, ensuring that every product reaching the public is safe, authentic, and effective.
Speaking at the “Operation African Star 2” workshop, Dr. Siyoi underscored that the illicit drug trade is a transnational crisis that exploits regulatory gaps and poses a profound threat to public health, national security, and economic stability. “It is this reality that brings us together to reinforce our collective response,” he stated.
Dr. Siyoi highlighted that the digital framework will improve supply chain transparency, increase regulatory vigilance with real-time data, and allow for faster product recalls and enforcement actions.
He emphasized that the successful implementation of PATP will require the active engagement of all stakeholders, including regulators, private sector partners, ICT providers, logistics companies, and patients.
The workshop, attended by a coalition of regulators, law enforcement agencies, and global organizations, included representatives from the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), Pharmaceutical Security Institute (PSI), Universal Postal Union (UPU), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG).
A key part of the workshop was a session on the INCB IONICS Platform, a secure online tool for real-time intelligence sharing on suspicious shipments, trafficking, and illicit manufacturing of dangerous pharmaceutical substances.
“Operation African Star 2” is a continuation of an initiative launched in 2022 by the PPB and the NDA. The first operation successfully exposed illicit pharmaceuticals being smuggled through postal and courier services, demonstrating the power of enhanced collaboration among East African agencies.
Dr. Siyoi commended the “remarkable results” of the initial operation, which he said underscores a collective commitment to protecting public health and securing pharmaceutical supply chains
