Kenya adopted the first National Drug Policy (KNDP) in 1994, concurrently with the Health Policy Framework (KHPF), to guide much- needed reform on pharmaceuticals. However implementation of the KNDP was severely hampered by subsequent lack of the requisite legal, administrative and financial support. Over the years, the urgency to reform the sector steadily increased, as documented in extensive sector reviews and assessments.
The process of developing this pharmaceutical policy started in 2006, informed by the existing evidence and guided by global technical norms; and was characterized by extensive stakeholder consultations and consensus building at multiple levels. The draft policy was adopted by national stakeholders in August 2007, and subsequently, in response to the renewed momentum of political and constitutional reforms in the country, it was further reviewed and adopted in April 2009. Subsequently, this Sessional Paper was developed and aligned to the new Constitution; and approved for presentation to Parliament at the Cabinet meeting held on 19th January 2012.
The scope of the Policy encompasses medicines and other health products and technologies – for human and veterinary use - whose development, production, sale and distribution are the mainstay of the pharmaceutical and allied sectors. It provides for the legal and institutional reforms necessary to radically improve the performance of the pharmaceutical sector in Kenya, in particular to enhance governance of pharmaceuticals across sector, regional and international arenas; restructure national institutions for the procurement, supply, regulation and quality control of medicines and other health products; develop adequate human resources for the diverse needs and functions, and enhance partnerships and collaboration aimed at universal access to Essential Health Products and Technologies.
This Policy was developed in the context of, and aligned to, a concurrent revision of the Health Policy Framework (1994) and subsequent harmonization of national health laws. Consequently, implementation of the health policy, legal and strategic framework is expected to fully integrate the KNPP provisions. In addition, it is important to note that the KNPP is a national guide for policy actions across many sectors. The policies outlined herein apply not only to pharmaceuticals, but to all health products and technologies intended for use or application in the attainment of health. We recommend that all relevant ministries, departments, partners, NGOs and other stakeholders focus their efforts on implementation of this Policy, in order to attain the policy goal of “Universal Access to quality essential health products and technologies; and pharmaceutical services in Kenya”.