National Quality Control Laboratory was first conceived in 1978 as an initiative of the Ministry of Health looking into the possibilities of improving drug control activities through the development of a quality control laboratory. The Laboratory was established as a legal entity through an Act of Parliament; CAP 244 Section 35D (Pharmacy & Poisons (Amendment) Act, 1992).
Mandate
The examination and testing of drugs and any material or substance from or with which and the manner in which drugs may be manufactured, processed or treated and ensuring the quality control of drugs and medicinal substances;
Performing chemical, biological, biochemical, physiological and pharmacological analysis and other pharmaceutical evaluation; and
Testing, at the request of the Board and on behalf of the Government, of locally manufactured and imported drugs or medicinal substances with a view to determining whether such drugs or medicinal substances comply with this Act or rules made there under.
Corporate Values
Professionalism – We provide quality, credible and reliable services
Integrity – We are transparent and accountable in what we do
Innovative – We are adaptive and open to learning as we carry out our mandate
Teamwork – We believe in internal and external collaborations.
Environmental Concern – We are stewards of our environment
Initial Set Up
First set up as Drug Analysis & Research Unit (DARU) at the University of Nairobi, Department of Pharmacy through facilitation of the Ministry of Health
Dedicated Quality Control
MoH decided to upgrade DARU by establishing a dedicated quality control laboratory to support the National Drug Policy.
GTZ Study
A project study was carried out by the German Government through GTZ on the establishment of NQCL.we were a well known name within the industry. We had been prominent members of the industry for more than 16 years and worked for some of the biggest clients in the industry; we weren’t dismissed by anyone because we could not be dismissed by anyone.
German Government agrees to assist.
German Government agreed to assist in the establishment of the NQCL.
Act of Parliament
The Government of Kenya through an Act of Parliament; CAP 244 Section 35D (Pharmacy & Poisons Amendment) Act, 1992); established the Laboratory as a legal entity.
GTZ - Kenyan Government Agreement
GTZ reached an agreement with the Kenyan Government to renovate the facility and equip the laboratory at its present location.
NQCL/GTZ, Kenyan Government Joint Effort
NQCL run jointly by GTZ and the Kenyan Government from 1994-1999.
Hand Over to Kenyan Government
Full operation of the laboratory handed over to the Kenyan Government.
WHO Pre-Qualification
Attained WHO prequalification.
WHO Pre-Qualification Status
Retained WHO prequalification status.
ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation
Attained ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation.
Vision
Motto
Mission
To ensure safe and efficacious health products and technologies through quality control testing, research and partnerships
Corporate Values
Integrity and Accountability
Innovation Teamwork and Collaboration
Concerns for Environment