Agriculture and Livestock Development CS Mutahi Kagwe has firmly opposed proposals seeking to merge the regulation of human and veterinary medicines through bills currently before Parliament and the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), warning the move could undermine public health, food safety, and animal welfare.
Speaking during a visit to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) facility in Loersho, Kagwe said the separation of the two regulatory systems is grounded in science and international standards and should not be reversed through legislation.
“Human medicines and veterinary medicines are fundamentally different. Their use, regulation, risks, and impact on food systems are not the same. That is why the separation introduced in 2015 remains valid and non-negotiable,” CS Kagwe said.
He cautioned that attempts to fold veterinary medicines regulation into a human medicines authority contradict global best practices and Kenya’s commitments under EAC and COMESA frameworks.
The CS expressed concern over proposals emerging from mediation talks between the National Assembly and the Senate, saying the ministry will actively engage legislators at both national and regional levels to protect the independence of veterinary medicines regulation.
“Even regionally, EAC and COMESA should uphold the separation of human and animal medicines. We will not allow Kenya to be the weak link,” he added.
Kagwe emphasized the importance of VMD, particularly amid the ongoing drought, when disease pressure on livestock is high and improper use of medicines could lead to major losses for farmers and pastoralists.
Livestock Development PS Jonathan Mueke noted that veterinary medicines regulation has direct implications for human health through food safety, antimicrobial resistance, and environmental protection, calling for a stronger—not diluted—VMD mandate.
The CS also warned county governments against unregulated dispensing of veterinary medicines, stressing that business permits do not amount to professional authorization.
“A county permit is not a professional license. Dispensing veterinary medicines without approval from the Directorate is illegal and will lead to prosecution,” CS Kagwe warned.
He announced plans for structured annual engagement with county-level practitioners, including conferences, public awareness campaigns, and enhanced intergovernmental coordination.
The ministry is implementing reforms to strengthen VMD, including hiring more staff, launching an annual internship programme for 1,500 young professionals, establishing regional offices, and operationalizing the National Veterinary Medicines Quality Control Laboratory.
Kagwe said the proposed Veterinary Practice Bill will entrench the Directorate in law and secure its long-term stability.
“We will defend the separation of human and veterinary medicines because it protects our farmers, our consumers, and our country,” the CS concluded.
