About Us
About Us
Who We Are
The Kenya Pharmaceutical Association (KPA) was established in 1974 to represent and advocate for Pharmaceutical Technologists in Kenya. Since its inception, KPA has grown into a vital professional body, uniting over 13,000 members and playing a key role in the pharmaceutical sector across public and private healthcare.
Pharmaceutical training in Kenya dates back to 1927, starting at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) with programs that evolved from training compounders to dispensers, and eventually to the introduction of a 3-year diploma in Pharmaceutical Technology in 1968. Over time, the curriculum has been standardized and expanded, with additional institutions accredited to train pharmaceutical professionals.
KPA members have consistently been at the forefront of ensuring Kenyans have access to high-quality, safe, and affordable medicines, contributing to the sustainability and equity of the nation’s healthcare system.
Vision
To be a leading professional association in the promotion of quality pharmaceutical practice.
Mission
To promote excellence in pharmaceutical practice.
Leadership Team
National Executive Council
The organ responsible for the management of the affairs of the association.
It consists of the following positions:
- President
- Deputy President
- Secretary General
- Deputy Secretary General
- Treasurer
- Organizing Secretary
- Senior Principal Pharmaceutical Technologist
Secretariat
This body will be led by a Chief Executive Officer and is tasked with coordinating the association’s activities as determined by the National Executive Council.
Scope of Practice
Pharmaceutical Technologists in Kenya serve in diverse roles across various sectors, including hospital and community pharmacies, research, marketing, industrial pharmacy, training, regulatory bodies, and more. They provide essential services in both public and private healthcare, as well as in rural, urban, and marginalized areas, ensuring that Kenyans have access to high-quality, safe, and affordable pharmaceutical care.
Their responsibilities include clinical pharmacy, regulatory guideline development, quality control, supply chain management, education, research, pharmacovigilance, pharmaceutical marketing, and waste management. Since the mid-20th century, they have been instrumental in delivering sustainable, accessible, and equitable pharmaceutical services nationwide.
Core Values
- Competence & Professionalism
- Accountability
- Transparency & Integrity
- Confidentiality
- Life-long Learning
- Social Responsibility
Governance Structure
Organs of the Association
General Assembly - GA
Constitutes all active members of the association.
Central Council - CC
Constitutes all branch officials, NEC members, trustees and representative of special interest group.
Board of Trustees
The association has established board of trustees that is mandated to ensure safe custody of association’s assets, oversee smooth transition of offices, carry out internal dispute resolutions and administer oath of office to duly elected officials.
Electoral Board
The organ mandated to conduct national and branch elections of the association.
Secretariat
This organ is to be headed by chief executive officer and is mandated to coordinate activities of the association that are considered by National Executive Council.
Standing Committees
The association in its effort to achieve its mandate and objectives has established 4 standing committees namely:
- Budget and appropriation, Finance and Administration
- Member services (Training, education, scientific conferences, journal and public relations)
- Legal and liaison services
- Ethics and disciplinary
Other Important Committees and Taskforces
- Self-regulation and Implementation Committee
- Ethics and Disciplinary Committee
- Strategic Plan Committee
- Constitution Review and Implementation Committee
- AD Hoc Committees
Objectives
The Kenya Pharmaceutical Association (KPA) operates with clearly defined objectives that guide its mission. These include:
- Promoting the educational, professional, and economic interests of its members.
- Representing members’ views on pharmacy practice and healthcare matters.
- Building strong collaborations with health professionals, agencies, and stakeholders in pharmaceutical practice.
- Upholding high ethical and professional standards among members.
- Ensuring continuous professional development for maintaining a high standard of practice.
- Defending members’ rights and privileges.
- Engaging with legislation and policies affecting members.
- Conducting research on pharmacy and health technology.
- Collaborating with government bodies to ensure the quality of pharmaceutical products.
- Disseminating relevant scientific and professional information.
Branches
These are devolved units of operations that help in smooth running of the association. Currently the association has 11 administrative branches as shown below: