Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir has proposed a new intergovernmental pact that will help combat prescription drug abuse in the county.
The agreement, which was presented to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, seeks to establish a collaborative framework between the County Government of Mombasa and national regulatory bodies to enforce stringent measures that will help curb the vice.
The governor tabled the agreement during a Council of Governors meeting at the Council’s offices in Nairobi.
“Drug abuse is no longer a peripheral issue—it is a threat to our families, our youth, and our collective future. We must act decisively, and this agreement provides a model for how county and national governments can work together to protect lives,” said Governor Nassir.
The agreement aims to bring together the County Government of Mombasa and national agencies such as the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), NACADA, and the National Police Service. These groups would work closely to better control pharmacies, share important information, and take joint action against the misuse of prescription drugs.
Some of the key parts of the plan include:
- Restricting the sale of addictive prescription drugs to pharmacies within Level 4 and higher hospitals.
- Ensuring that pharmacies operate exclusively for pharmaceutical goods.
- Conducting routine and unannounced inspections of licensed pharmacies in collaboration with national agencies.
- Implementing public awareness campaigns on the dangers of prescription drug abuse.
- Sharing pharmacy business permit data with PPB and NACADA to facilitate joint oversight.
CS Duale expressed support for the initiative, acknowledging the importance of intergovernmental collaboration in tackling public health challenges. The CS also committed to reviewing the proposal for potential nationwide implementation.
The Council of Governors is expected to deliberate on the proposal, to adopt similar frameworks across other counties facing challenges related to prescription drug misuse.
The agreement will come into effect upon formal endorsement by all parties and subsequent gazettement by the County Government of Mombasa.
