The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has achieved a significant continental milestone following the appointment of two of its experts to the African Medicines Agency (AMA) Technical Committees, strengthening Kenya’s contribution to medicines regulation and regulatory harmonisation across Africa.
The appointments were announced during the Agency’s inaugural week in Kigali, Rwanda, held under the theme “Building Africa’s Regulatory Future Together: From National Strength to Continental Impact.”
Dr Ali Abdulahi Arale, Acting Director of Medical Products and Health Technologies, was appointed to the Technical Committee on Evaluation of Medicines, Vaccines and Biologicals, while Dr Edward Abwao was appointed to the Technical Committee on Clinical Trials Oversight and Good Clinical Practice.
In a further recognition of Kenya’s regulatory expertise, Dr Abwao was elected Chairperson of the Committee on Clinical Trials Oversight and Good Clinical Practice.
Dr Arale brings over 25 years of professional experience, including 15 years in medicines regulation, with expertise in the assessment of medicines and vaccines, regulatory inspections and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
His experience also covers health product registration, regulatory reliance, joint scientific reviews, capacity strengthening and emergency use authorisation.
Dr Abwao has over 22 years of experience in medicines regulation and has contributed to the development and establishment of Kenya’s clinical trials regulatory framework.
His expertise extends to clinical trials oversight, post-marketing surveillance, pharmacovigilance and regulatory systems strengthening.
Established under the AMA Treaty, the Technical Committees provide independent scientific advice on the evaluation of medical products, including medicines, vaccines and diagnostics, as well as clinical trials oversight.
Their work supports evidence-based regulatory decisions, harmonised standards and stronger regulatory systems across African countries.
PPB congratulates Dr Arale and Dr Abwao on their appointments and wishes them success during their initial two-year terms.
Their participation will strengthen continental regulatory cooperation, promote scientific excellence and contribute to improved access to quality-assured, safe and efficacious medical products across Africa.
