INTERVIEWER (Barongo): Good afternoon. My name is Barongo, and we are with Ogita Productions. Today, we are compiling a documentary on the development of pharmacy practice and training in Kenya. We're glad you could join us. Kindly introduce yourself—tell us your name, where and when you studied pharmacy, and how you got into the practice. Did you work in industry or any other sector? The floor is yours.
DR. ROGERS ATEBE: Thank you very much for having me. My name is Dr. Rogers Atebe. I'm a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya. I hold both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Industrial Pharmacy from the University of Nairobi—so I'm a double alumnus.
My inspiration came from my grandmother, Mora, a traditional medicine woman who treated people with herbs. My fourth-year research project at the University was based on one of the herbs she used.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Pharmacy, I worked for the government for two years, then moved into the pharmaceutical industry. Twenty-eight years later, I went back to do my Master’s.
At university, I was active in student politics. Though I was class rep, I chose not to lead the Pharmacy Students Association, opting instead to vie for vice chair of the umbrella organization representing all medical school students. I won, uniting students from pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, and nursing. We achieved key wins, like gaining access for final-year students to senior hostels previously reserved only for medical and dental students.
INTERVIEWER: Thank you. Now, tell us about the positions of influence you’ve held and how they have contributed to pharmacy training and practice.
DR. ROGERS ATEBE: I graduated with a generalist degree in pharmacy. My first posting was as pharmacist in charge at Yamira Subdistrict Hospital, about 40 years ago. Dr. Elizabeth Ogaja, a KMTC trainer, once visited and praised the pharmacy I managed as the best organized she had seen in a public institution.Two years later, I joined the pharmaceutical industry. I rose through the ranks to become General Manager at Dawa Limited, helping revive it into a vibrant company employing over 300 people by 2007.
Later, I left industry for Kisii University, which had no pharmacy program at the time. Many questioned my move, but I believed in creating from nothing. I developed the Bachelor of Pharmacy program there—it’s now in its third year.
In professional service, I served two alternate terms as chair of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya during a turbulent era of structural adjustments. I later served at the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, where I helped introduce parallel importation regulations to foster industrial peace.
I also chaired the Board itself, and served as a board member at KEMSA. In 2017, I chaired the Disputes Arbitration and Facilitation Committee of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya.
Mentorship is dear to me. I’ve been an industry preceptor for over 25 years, hosting and training many young colleagues.
In 1989, with Prof. Francis Ndemo, we initiated the title “Doctor” for pharmacists to affirm our professional standing.
INTERVIEWER: What is your opinion on the current state of pharmacy training at the University of Nairobi and Kenya at large? How would you like to see it change?
DR. ROGERS ATEBE: Training in Kenya is still based on the 1957 Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance inherited from the British. They have since moved on, adopting a Master of Pharmacy model with full prescribing rights. We need to follow suit.
Globally, the shift is toward patient-centered care. If our curriculum isn’t solving a problem for the patient, we are on the wrong track. We need programs like Doctor of Pharmacy.
When celebrating 50 years of pharmacy, the patient should be at the center. Experienced practitioners should be brought in to train students.
INTERVIEWER: Is there anything else you’d like to add, especially regarding manufacturing or other areas?
DR. ROGERS ATEBE: Kenya's pharmaceutical companies produce 90% of essential medicines by volume but only 30% by value. We must target high-value therapeutic groups and biotechnology.
During the COVID pandemic, multinationals denied Africa licenses for vaccine production. This highlighted our need to engage in local biotech research and production. We need a multisectoral, regional approach—including favorable policy, affordable financing, and investment incentives.
INTERVIEWER: What would you like to be remembered for?
DR. ROGERS ATEBE: When you hear “Rogers Atebe,” it should mean something. I took initiative to mediate disputes in the pharmaceutical profession and helped create lasting peace. I helped establish Kisii University's pharmacy school, revived Dawa Limited, and promoted unity and professionalism in pharmacy.
All of this is by God’s grace. Without Him, I am nothing.
INTERVIEWER: Any words of congratulations to the University of Nairobi pharmacy alumni?
DR. ROGERS ATEBE: This is not just a time to celebrate, but to reflect. Let us honor pioneers like Dr. Albert Matheka, Dr. Dominic Karanja, Prof. Maitai, and Prof. Gichuru Muyuki.
Congratulations to the founders, the sustainers, the innovators, and all of us who have walked through this journey.
Thank you.
