CS Kagwe opposes bid to merge human and veterinary medicines

Agriculture  Cabinet Secretary and Senator Mutahi Kagwe has opposed proposals before the Kenyan Parliament and the East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) seeking to merge the regulation of human and veterinary medicines, warning that the move could undermine public health, food safety and livestock production.

Speaking during a visit to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), Kagwe said the separation of human and veterinary medicines regulation, introduced in 2015, is grounded in science and aligned with international best practices. He noted that the current framework complies with regional and global standards under the East African Community (EAC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

The CS cautioned against attempts to reverse the separation through legislative processes, saying proposals emerging from parliamentary mediation risk weakening oversight of veterinary medicines. He warned that such changes would come at a time when livestock are already facing increased disease pressure, especially during prolonged drought conditions.

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Kagwe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, stressing that the sale or dispensing of veterinary medicines without approval from the VMD is illegal.

He also announced planned reforms at the Directorate, including recruitment of additional staff, introduction of internship programmes, establishment of regional offices and the operationalisation of the National Veterinary Medicines Quality Control Laboratory.

According to the CS, upcoming legislation will seek to firmly anchor the Veterinary Medicines Directorate in law to safeguard farmers, consumers and public health, while ensuring the integrity of the country’s veterinary medicines regulatory system.

By Obegi Malack

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