Approving and Monitoring Pharmacy Training Institutions in Kenya

Ensuring quality education in pharmacy is vital for Kenya’s health sector. The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) regulates not only practicing pharmacists but also the institutions that train them.

In this article, we explain how the PPB approves and monitors pharmacy training institutions, what you need to know, and why it matters.

Understanding the Regulatory Framework

The PPB exists under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, Cap 244, which empowers it to regulate pharmacy practice and training.

The Board publishes a list of approved institutions offering pharmacy or pharmaceutical-technologist training.

Institutions must seek PPB approval before operating programs that train pharmacists or pharmaceutical technologists. The process ensures that students graduate from recognised schools and meet professional entry standards.

Why Approval and Monitoring Matter

When training institutions meet standards, quality graduates enter the workforce. Good regulation protects public health, raises professional standards and promotes the credibility of training institutions.

Without proper approval, students risk attending unrecognised courses and employers may decline graduates. The PPB emphasises that it only accepts qualifications from recognised institutions.

Monitoring, meanwhile, ensures ongoing compliance. Institutions may change curriculum, facilities, or staff, and oversight ensures standards remain high.

Key Steps to Institutional Approval

1. Submit Application to PPB

An institution wishing to train must apply to PPB’s Training & Assessment division. The application typically includes infrastructure plans, staffing, curriculum and resources. While a detailed PPB guideline may exist, institutions must adhere to listed requirements.

2. Demonstrate Facilities & Staffing

PPB inspects whether the institution has appropriate labs, teaching material, qualified staff and student support. Accreditation often includes visits and facility audits.

3. Curriculum Approval & Program Recognition

The institution must align its curriculum with PPB’s standards for pharmacy or pharmaceutical-technologist training. Graduates must fulfil PPB recognition criteria for registration or enrolment.

4. Indexing of Students

Once approved, the institution should ensure students are indexed with PPB. This step is essential for those students to sit PPB exams, register/enrol and practise.

5. Final Accreditation & Listing

On approval, PPB lists the institution among approved training institutions. The public list confirms which schools meet the regulatory requirements.

Monitoring and Quality Assurance by PPB

Regular Inspections

The PPB conducts routine inspections of approved institutions. The inspections may cover teaching quality, facilities, student outcomes and compliance with the original approval.

Continued Professional Development (CPD) Oversight

PPB also regulates CPD for practitioners and works with institutions to ensure training providers meet CPD accreditation standards.

Sanctions and Deregistration

If an institution fails to maintain standards, PPB has authority to suspend its approval, remove it from the approved list, or impose corrective measures. Training in non-approved institutions may lead to non-recognition of qualifications.

Standards and Criteria Institutions Must Meet

Here are key criteria institutions should fulfill:

• Adequate teaching facilities (laboratories, library, teaching aids)

• Qualified faculty and staff with relevant credentials

• Clear curriculum aligned with PPB/commission guidelines

• Student registration and indexing with PPB

• Transparent assessment and internship attachment arrangements

• Continuous evaluation, student feedback and training improvement systems

 

Practical Tips for Institutions and Students

For Training Institutions:

• Ensure your institution appears on the PPB approved list before enrolling students.

• Maintain rigorous internal audits to ensure standards do not slip between PPB inspections.

• Keep records of facilities upgrades, staff changes and curriculum reviews.

For Students:

• Check the PPB list of approved institutions prior to admission.

• Ensure you get your student index number as required by PPB.

• Confirm that the qualification you seek is recognised by PPB for registration/enrolment.

 

How Clarity Pharma Consultancy Can Help

If you operate or plan to establish a pharmacy training institution—or you are a student seeking clarity—Clarity Pharma Consultancy offers targeted advisory services.

We can guide you through PPB accreditation, institutional compliance reviews, student indexing processes and monitoring readiness. Contact us to strengthen your institution’s regulatory alignment and ensure recognition of your program.

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