This report is a national assessment of transparency and potential vulnerability to corruption and unethical practices in eight key pharmaceutical system functions in Kenya, namely: medicines registration, licensing, inspection, promotion, clinical trials, selection, procurement and distribution. It was conducted using an assessment tool and model framework developed by the World Health Organization, which focuses on structures and mechanisms to prevent unethical practices in decision-making in the public pharmaceutical sector.

Kenya is in the process of implementing its development blueprint - Vision 2030 - which is anchored on economic, social and political pillars, some key aspects being governance reforms as well as public sector reforms. In this regard, the Government continues to intensify efforts to bring about an attitudinal change in public service that values transparency and accountability to the citizens of Kenya. Health sector reform is in progress under the National Health Sector Strategic Plan (NHSSP II) and mechanisms for health sector governance and coordination are actively being strengthened. To guide the much-needed reforms in the pharmaceutical sector, the Government has developed the Kenya National Pharmaceutical Policy (KNPP) which enshrines "good governance" as one of its core principles. The Pharmaceutical Strategy will provide a framework for coordinated planning, monitoring and evaluation.

Promoting good governance in the pharmaceutical sector requires a long-term strategy through which best practices and evidence-based decision-making are actively assimilated into pharmaceutical systems. To achieve significant impact, efforts to address corruption must include the application of two basic strategies:

i) discipline-based strategy - establishing comprehensive laws and regulations with adequate sanctions for non-compliance; and

ii) values-based strategy - building institutional integrity through the promotion of moral values and ethical principles.

This assessment is therefore timely, and the findings and recommendations will inform strategies for entrenching transparency and best practices in all aspects of pharmaceutical services.