Updated 1 November 2026
An online pharmacy licence Kenya regulators issue comes from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) and costs KSh 15,000, according to PPB’s October 2025 premises guidelines. But you cannot run a stand-alone online pharmacy: PPB only licenses online sales as the internet presence of an existing retail pharmacy operating from approved physical premises. Telehealth and telemedicine firms that supply medicines must also dispense from registered premises under a superintendent pharmacist or pharmaceutical technologist. Here is what that means for e-commerce and health-tech founders.
Updated 1 November 2026 from the PPB Guidelines for Registration and Licensing of Premises (October 2025) and the PPB pharmacy practice FAQ.
Online pharmacy licence Kenya fees
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Online pharmacy licence | KSh 15,000 |
| Retail premises registration (required first) | KSh 10,000 once |
| Annual practice licence (superintendent) | KSh 5,000 a year |
| Year-one total for a new retail + online pharmacy | KSh 30,000 |
Source: PPB Guidelines for Registration and Licensing of Premises, sections 2.14 and 5.0; PPB FAQ. All PPB licences expire on 31 December, so plan for annual renewal.
The core rule: no physical pharmacy, no online pharmacy
Section 2.14 of the PPB guidelines says:
- An online pharmacy can be set up only in connection with an existing retail pharmacy on approved physical premises.
- Online operations are treated as part of that pharmacy’s business: an online presence, not a separate pharmacy business.
- Minimum standards are set by the regulations and the Guidelines for Internet Pharmacy Services in Kenya (PRA/LPP/GUD/033).
- Those internet pharmacy guidelines also apply to telehealth and telemedicine establishments.
- Hospitals or companies offering telehealth that want to supply medicines to patients must operate from registered premises under a superintendent pharmacist or pharmaceutical technologist.
So a marketplace app, delivery start-up or WhatsApp seller cannot legally sell prescription medicines unless the orders are fulfilled by a PPB-registered pharmacy that holds the online licence.
Step by step: launching a licensed online pharmacy
- Register the business and get its KRA PIN (company KRA PIN guide).
- Register a retail pharmacy with PPB first; see how to register a pharmacy in Kenya. The premises must pass PPB inspection.
- Appoint a superintendent with a current practice licence.
- Apply for the online pharmacy licence on the PPB practice portal (practice.pharmacyboardkenya.org) and pay KSh 15,000.
- Build the platform to PPB standards: prescription upload and verification for prescription-only medicines, pharmacist review before dispensing, patient data protection and clear display of your PPB licence details.
- Launch and renew every year before 31 December; PPB recommends applying 30 days early.
Other compliance for online pharmacies
- Data protection: health data is sensitive personal data under the Data Protection Act, so register with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner as a data controller or processor.
- Delivery: keep cold-chain products within temperature limits and use trained riders; parcel firms carrying documents and parcels for the public need a CA licence (see our courier licence guide).
- Payments and tax: issue eTIMS invoices for sales; see how to generate an eTIMS invoice.
- Advertising: PPB regulates medicine adverts, so get approval before promoting specific products.
How buyers can check an online pharmacy
PPB’s online portal lets the public check licence status for retail facilities. Before ordering medicines online, confirm the seller names its physical pharmacy and that the pharmacy appears as licensed.
Building the website
An online pharmacy needs secure checkout, prescription upload and fast hosting. Kenyan hosts such as Truehost (affiliate link) offer local data centres and M-Pesa billing.
Online pharmacy licence Kenya: what PPB looks for on your platform
Because the online pharmacy is treated as part of your physical pharmacy, PPB will expect the same controls online as at the counter. Your website or app should name the registered pharmacy and its superintendent, show the PPB licence details, require a valid prescription before prescription-only medicines are dispensed, and record which pharmacist approved each order. Over-the-counter items can be sold more freely, but you should still give dosage guidance and a way to talk to a pharmacist.
Plan delivery carefully. Medicines must stay within their storage conditions in transit, packages should be sealed and traceable, and riders should hand over to the patient or a named adult. Keep delivery records with the prescription record. Getting these right before you apply makes the online pharmacy licence Kenya approval smoother and protects you if a complaint is made.
Typical start-up costs beyond PPB fees
- Fit-out and stock for the physical retail pharmacy
- Website or app with secure payments and prescription upload
- Pharmacist salaries for order review
- Delivery riders or a courier partner
Frequently asked questions
How much is an online pharmacy licence in Kenya?
KSh 15,000, according to PPB’s October 2025 premises guidelines, in addition to the retail pharmacy’s premises and practice licences.
Can I open an online-only pharmacy in Kenya?
No. PPB only allows an online pharmacy linked to an existing retail pharmacy on approved physical premises.
Do telemedicine apps need a PPB licence to supply drugs?
Yes. They must operate from registered premises under a superintendent pharmacist or pharmaceutical technologist.
Which guidelines govern online pharmacies?
The Guidelines for Internet Pharmacy Services in Kenya (PRA/LPP/GUD/033).
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