Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has clarified the ongoing report regarding expired HIV drugs in the county amid growing concerns.
Taking to her official X account on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Kihika explained that the drugs in question, which are no longer suitable for prescription due to changes in treatment protocols, have not yet been disposed of.
She added that the delay is due to the need to wait for auditors from the Global Fund to conduct an assessment before any action can be taken.
In addition, the governor stated that the drugs expired before 2022.
“Clarification on Report on Expired Drugs: These are HIV drugs that could no longer be prescribed due to a change of treatment protocol. They couldn’t be disposed of because they have to await auditors from the Global Fund. Further, these drugs expired before the year 2022,” she said.
Kihika further shared an official letter from Roselyn Mungai, Nakuru County Executive Committee Member – Health Services dated March 4, 2025, indicating that the expiring of the drugs was due to a change in treatment protocols, which led to the cessation of their distribution.
In the letter, Mungai further explained the adjustment in medical guidelines, meant that those particular drugs were no longer suitable for use in patient treatment.
“Our attention has been drawn to an article regarding the existence of expired drugs valued at 2,000,000 at the Nakuru County Referral Hospital. The department wishes to respond as follows; The first set of drugs consists of “program drugs” donated by our development partner. The expiration of these drugs was caused by a change in the user protocol, which necessitated the stoppage of their distribution,” the statement reads.
She also stated that once drugs expire, the hospital is not authorized to dispose of them immediately adding that the disposal process is strictly regulated and requires a comprehensive audit and approval, including a formal audit by the relevant authorities, such as the Global Fund.
In addition, Mungai stressed the importance of allowing the Health Department to provide formal responses on such matters, as well as any similar issues, to ensure clarity and transparency.
“The second set of drugs was a documented donation from KEMSA of “short expiry drugs,” intended for high-volume facilities. These were not purchased and were certainly not part of our essential medicines. Once drugs expire, the hospital cannot dispose of them until a stringent audit and disposal process is completed.
“It is imperative that the Department of Health is allowed to provide a formal response on these matters and all similar issues,” the statement reads.
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