UoN pharmacy alumni mark golden jubilee with free medical camp
Residents of Kibra receive free medical services during the University of Nairobi School of Pharmacy Alumni Association’s golden jubilee medical camp at Olympic Primary School on August 22, 2025. Photo/Sande Onyango
The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) has raised alarm over rising cases of unqualified individuals infiltrating pharmacies, warning that the trend threatens public safety.
Speaking on Friday during the University of Nairobi School of Pharmacy Alumni Association’s golden jubilee medical camp at Olympic Primary School in Kibra, PSK President Dr Wairimu Mbogo urged Kenyans to demand professional service whenever they visit a pharmacy.
“It is your right to know who is serving you. When you walk into a pharmacy, ask: ‘Who is my healthcare provider serving me?’ You deserve to be attended to by trained, licensed professionals,” she said.
Dr Mbogo explained that pharmacies displaying a green cross are operated by university-trained pharmacists, while those with a blue cross are manned by pharmaceutical technologists working under regulation.
“We are committed to fighting the infiltration of quacks, unlicensed premises, and unsafe practices. Your safety is not negotiable,” she added.
The Kibra camp, organised as part of the School of Pharmacy’s 50th anniversary celebrations, offered free consultations, medicines, child vaccinations, and screenings for diabetes, hypertension, breast cancer, and cervical cancer.
Prof Margaret Oluka, who led the team of healthcare professionals at the camp, said the event combined community service with a practical lesson for students.
“We wanted this camp to provide real impact to the community while showing young pharmacists what service to society looks like,” she said.
Prof Anastasia Nkatha Guantai, Chairperson of the UoN Pharmacy Alumni Association, reaffirmed the alumni’s commitment to supporting the school and mentoring future professionals.
“As an alumni association, our mission is to mentor future pharmacists and promote networks that strengthen the profession in Kenya,” she said.
Dr Moses Mwangi, who chaired the jubilee planning committee, described the anniversary as both a celebration and a call to action.
“Marking 50 years is not just about looking back, but about renewing our commitment to expand pharmacy’s role in health and development,” he said.
Dr Mbogo concluded that the camp was a clear demonstration of pharmacy’s impact beyond academia.
“This medical camp is not just a celebration, it is an embodiment of what pharmacy truly stands for. When pharmacists step into the community, they bring healthcare closer to the people,” she said.
