NAIROBI, Kenya — The Government has launched the pilot phase of the National Authentication and Traceability System (NATS), a new digital platform designed to strengthen the safety, quality and integrity of medicines by enabling health products to be tracked throughout Kenya’s pharmaceutical supply chain.
The pilot programme officially went live on August 3, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to combat substandard and falsified medicines while improving patient safety.
Speaking during KBC’s Good Morning Kenya programme, government officials said the digital track-and-trace system will enable authorities to monitor medicines across the supply chain, enhancing transparency and accountability from manufacturers and importers to healthcare facilities and patients.
The initiative is expected to strengthen regulatory oversight and reduce the circulation of counterfeit and substandard medical products by improving the traceability of pharmaceutical supplies.
Officials described the system as a key component of ongoing reforms aimed at securing Kenya’s pharmaceutical sector and ensuring patients receive safe, high-quality medicines.
During the television interview, the government also highlighted progress in implementing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through the Taifa Care programme.
Kenyans were encouraged to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to access healthcare services under the new national health insurance framework.
Officials also urged citizens to take advantage of the Lipa SHA Polepole payment option, which is intended to make healthcare contributions more affordable while expanding access to treatment for chronic illnesses, including cancer and kidney disease.
The discussion further outlined Kenya’s preparedness to respond to a potential Ebola outbreak, with health authorities reaffirming that surveillance and emergency response systems remain on high alert.
According to the government, preparedness measures include enhanced disease surveillance, intensified screening at points of entry, strengthened laboratory capacity, continued training of healthcare workers and close coordination between the national and county governments.
Officials said the integrated approach is intended to ensure early detection, rapid response and effective containment should any Ebola cases be detected within the country.
