Every registered pharmacist in Kenya must hold a valid annual practice licence before dispensing, compounding, or offering any pharmaceutical care. This requirement is set out under Section 9C of the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, Cap 244, and is enforced by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) — the country’s medicines regulator. The licence applies regardless of where a pharmacist works: retail pharmacy, hospital, manufacturing, or elsewhere.
Renewal happens annually through the PPB’s online practice portal, and a valid licence is also a precondition for continuing professional development (CPD) compliance under Section 9F of the Act.
Fee Summary Table
| Item | Fee (Ksh.) |
|---|---|
| Annual practice licence (retail/hospital pharmacist) | 5,000 |
| Late renewal penalty | Variable — confirm with PPB |
Figures reflect PPB’s published 2026 renewal notice. PPB periodically revises its fee schedule (a 2023 proposal sought to raise this to Ksh. 10,000), so always confirm the current rate on the PPB portal before paying.
What You Need
- Valid pharmacist registration certificate
- Updated CPD points
- Passport-size photographs
- Completed online application via the PPB licensing portal
Operating without a current licence is a criminal offence under Cap 244, and PPB has been actively enforcing renewal deadlines with penalties for non-compliance.
