The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has cautioned Kenyans against using DNA sample testing kits being sold in the market.
In a statement dated Thursday, January 12, the government agency clarified that it had not authorised any institutions, whether local or international, to market or sell the kits in the country.
"It has been brought to the attention of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) that unauthorised home DNA test kits are being marketed on digital platforms for retail in the Kenyan market.
"Please note that the PPB has not authorised any retailer to sell such kits and hereby appeals to the public to be on the lookout for retailers marketing these Kits," read the statement in part.
Various reports had indicated that the home testing kits were being sold on international online retail platforms at an affordable fee of Ksh800.
Further, Kenyans were urged to visit the board's website to verify accredited medical services that had been approved for consumption in the country.
"Consumers are encouraged to report to the PPB in case they come across any retailer selling related products via the board's email address," the board stated.
Reports of the Ksh800 kit hit the headlines in the course of the week as Kenyans aired divergent views over the emergence of the new technology.
A number of online users had expressed reservations over the kits as they noted that they would cause domestic differences in families.
The online debate also saw medics weigh in as they explained that the kits were only for collecting samples and not for the actual tests.
"For the actual DNA test, the sample collected has to be mailed/shipped to the lab where the lab testing fee is a minimum of Ksh15,000.
"The home DNA test kit is just the sample collection kit (swab)," Consultant Pathologist Ahmed Kalebi clarified.
