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Kenya's pharmaceutical industry consists of three segments - the manufacturers, distributors and retailers - which play a major role in supporting the country’s health sector. The market for pharmaceutical products in Kenya is estimated at KShs 8 billion per annum. Kenya is currently the largest producer of pharmaceutical products in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) region, supplying about 50% of the regions’ market. Of the region’s estimated 50 recognised pharmaceutical manufacturers; about 30 are based in Kenya, and about 9,000 pharmaceutical products have been registered for sale in Kenya, categorised according to particular levels of outlet as freesales/ OTC (Over The Counter), pharmacy technologist dispensable, or pharmacist dispensable/ prescription only. The number of companies engaged in manufacturing and distribution of pharmaceutical products in Kenya continue to expand, driven by the Government’s efforts to promote local and foreign investment in the sector. The Kenya Medical Suppliers Agency (KEMSA), a division of the Ministry of Health, largely carries out the distribution of pharmaceutical products in Kenya. It distributes drugs to government public health facilities and private health facilities. KEMSA has been an autonomous body since 1st July 2003. Its policy is to make available essential drugs and equipment primarily but not exclusively, to public facilities. KEMSA competes with other suppliers, e.g. the mission based medical supply facility (MEDS) and private wholesalers. Pharmaceutical products in Kenya are channelled through pharmacies, chemists, health facilities and shops. There are about 700 registered wholesale and 1,300 retail dealers in Kenya, manned by registered pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists. The drugs on sale in Kenya are sold according to the outlet categorization, which can be described as free-sales/OTC, pharmacy technologist dispensable, or pharmacist dispensable/prescription only.