Kenya Rolls Out Digital System to Track Every Medicine in Supply Chain

Kenya has launched three interconnected national digital platforms to bring end-to-end accountability to the pharmaceutical supply chain, with Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale setting July 1, 2026 as the firm deadline for all players in the sector to comply or face regulatory consequences.

Three Platforms, One Vision

The rollout covers three distinct systems: the National Track and Trace System monitoring pharmaceuticals from importation to patient; Practice360 for digital licensing of pharmacists; and Facility360 for regulatory oversight of drug outlets and hospitals. The Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board has made registration mandatory for all pharmacies, chemists, manufacturers, importers, distributors, and wholesalers.

Global Standards at the Core

Central to the system is the adoption of GS1 Global Standards for product serialisation — the same framework used by pharmaceutical regulators in the EU, US, and India. Each medicine pack will carry a unique serial number creating a tamper-proof digital trail from production to dispensing.

The WHO Maturity Target

The overarching ambition is to attain WHO Pharmaceutical Regulatory Maturity Level 3 by December 2026 — a benchmark signifying a fully functional, proactive, and integrated medicines regulatory system. Kenya currently sits at Level 2. Achieving Level 3 would place it among the most advanced pharmaceutical regulators on the continent.