Vets want law to regulate imports

The Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) wants a law to regulate importation of veterinary medicines and equipment.

The association was concerned that the market was flooded with fake and low quality imports, affecting livestock production and consumers.

KVA national chairman Samuel Kahariri said the products were not certified and were finding their way into the country in unclear circumstances. He said the influx of the products could be addressed by strengthening Veterinary Medicines Directorate and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.

“It is evident that the market is flooded with all manner of livestock medicine and equipment whose quality is questionable. This has adverse effects on livestock and humans,” he said.

Speaking in Naivasha, Dr Kahariri faulted the Ministry of Health’s bid to sneak to Parliament the controversial Kenya Foods and Drugs Authority Bill. “The Bill proposes to take over mandate of independent regulatory bodies, posing danger of duplication, confusion and multiple regulations,” he said.

Kahariri said the Bill failed to take cognisance of other relevant laws where safety issues were guaranteed by other authorities. [Antony Gitonga]