Before the development of the KNDP, a subsidiary regulation of the registration of all pharmaceutical products was introduced in 1982. The Kenya National Drug Policy was formulated in 1993-94 through a series of nation consensus building workshops and adopted by the Government of Kenya in 1994. The goal of the KNDP is to use available resources to develop pharmaceutical services so as to meet the requirements of all Kenyans in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases using efficacious, high quality, safe and cost-effective pharmaceutical products. The specific objectives of the KNDP aim to:

• Ensure constant availability of safe and effective drugs to all segments of the population;

• Provide drugs through the different sectors at affordable prices;

• Facilitate rational use of medicines through sound prescribing, dispensing and usage;

• Ensure that the quality of medicines manufactured in Kenya and those imported into Kenya meet internationally accepted quality standards;

• Encourage self sufficiency through local manufacture of medicines for consumption and export;

• Ensure that the provision of medicines for veterinary services is consistent with the NDP

The pharmaceutical inspectorate as described in the KNDP has not been very effective in the enforcement of all aspects of good manufacturing practices including the storage and dispensing of pharmaceutical products.

The existing policy on medicines does not cover traditional medicines even though they have been used by the population for generations. The policy on traditional medicine is not specific and currently these products need not be registered with the MOH. The Pharmacy and Poisons Board is yet to provide specifications for the practice and utilization of traditional medicines.