Veterinary Medicines Directorate

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) regulates veterinary medicines and animal health products in Kenya. Established under CAP 366 (Article 39), it oversees the manufacture, import, export, registration, distribution, prescription, and dispensing of veterinary pharmaceuticals, immunologicals, animal pesticides, and feed ingredients. VMD ensures all products meet high standards for safety, quality, and effectiveness. This protects animal welfare, public health, food safety, and the environment.

VMD’s mission is to promote the responsible use of veterinary medicines through risk-based regulation, quality services, and stakeholder collaboration. It advises the Kenya Veterinary Board, sets veterinary pharmacy standards, and monitors compliance across the veterinary product supply chain.

The directorate licenses facilities, approves products, monitors trials, combats counterfeit medicines, and conducts pharmacovigilance. It collaborates with regulators such as the Pest Control Products Board to align policies with local and international standards.

Managed by a council appointed by the Cabinet Secretary for Livestock, VMD strengthens Kenya’s livestock sector. Its work helps farmers, veterinarians, and the public trust veterinary medicines. By promoting safe practices, VMD improves animal health, supports sustainable production, and enhances food security across the country.