Thursday, November
27, 2025 - Former Cabinet Secretary, Moses Kuria, has launched a scathing
attack on Kenya’s pharmaceutical industry, alleging that powerful cartels are
manipulating drug prices and flooding the market with inferior medicines.
Kuria claimed that the so-called “pharma mafia” has
entrenched itself in the country’s healthcare system, driving up costs while
compromising quality.
Kuria recounted the experience of an Indian doctor friend
who fell ill in Nairobi and was shocked at the high cost of over-the-counter
medication.
“Pharmaceutical products in Kenya cost 10 times more
compared to other countries. Secondly, the molecule strength is 10 percent
quality compared to other countries,” Kuria said.
He further accused the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of
shielding cartels instead of regulating the market.
“All countries have healthcare cartels. But in Kenya, the
pharma industry mafia owns a country,” he added.
During the same address, Kuria congratulated Mosop MP,
Abraham Kirwa, for resuming parliamentary duties after a long battle with
illness.
Kirwa, who suffered a stroke live on radio during his 54th
birthday broadcast in 2023, had been receiving treatment in Nairobi, Dubai, and
the United States.
His absence had triggered a High Court petition seeking to
declare his seat vacant, with the case set for mention on December 1st,
2025.
Kirwa, still recovering, alleged he was denied life-saving
medicine in a Nairobi hospital and credited Dubai doctors for warning him
against substandard drugs prescribed locally.
He urged stricter regulation, more healthcare funding, and
accountability for doctors.
In response, Health Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, directed
the Pharmacy and Poisons Board to immediately withdraw all substandard and
unregistered medicines from the market, warning that suppliers will face legal
consequences.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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