How to Start a Chemist Retail Business in Kenya
To start a retail chemist business in Kenya, you must have a degree or diploma in Pharmacy from a reputable institution. Chemists are profitable businesses, but to register a business, you must meet all the set requirements. Once you have met the minimum requirements and the certifications, you can proceed to the Pharmacy and Poisons Board to get a license for your chemist retail business.
Requirements for Starting a Chemist Retail Business in Kenya
To start a retail chemist business in Kenya, you must make an application for registration. You need the following when making an application:
- A registered business, either sole proprietorship, partnership, or a limited company
- Application for registration of premises
- Copies of academic testimonials of the chemist superintendent
- Floor plan of the chemist premises
- A copy of the enrollment certificate from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board
Read also: How to start a bakery business in Kenya.
You will need to fill in the following application forms for a chemist retail business in Kenya.
- Form 27. It is an application for an annual practice license.
- Form 4. It is an application for registration of premises.
- Annex 1. It is a confidential questionnaire for chemist premises.
You can register for a license from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board in the following ways:
- As a partnership, if all of you or any of you have medical certification.
- Sole proprietorship
- A limited company
You need to state the kind of business you want to start when applying for the license.
Read also: How to start a cosmetics business in Kenya.
Retail Chemist Business License Processing
You must attach all the necessary documents and requirements and submit them to the Pharmacy and Poisons Board. Once they have received your application, they will evaluate and respond in writing whether your application is successful. If it is successful, the Practice Committee of the board will schedule an interview for the superintendent.
If the interview is successful, the next thing is the inspection of the chemist business premises. The pharmaceutical inspector carries out the inspection, and the report will be presented in the form of a report. If the whole process is successful, the applicant will be issued a certificate of registration of the premises.
If the process is unsuccessful, the applicant will be advised with reasons the application was unsuccessful. Unsuccessful applicants are given a chance to revise and reapply.
Pharmacy Business Premises
The premises of a pharmacy are among factors considered during pharmacy registration process. The following are the approved pharmacy premises.
- Premises for a pharmacist. For business operations of the pharmacist.
- Premises for wholesale. For business operations of the wholesaler pharmacist.
- Premises for a pharmaceutical technologist. For operations of a pharmaceutical technologist.
How to Start a Retail Chemist Business in Kenya
Once you have applied for licenses and business permit, the next thing you need to do is to design a chemist business plan. A business plan is essential for any business to keep track of business goals. Capture the business name, startup costs, market segmentation like the competition and startup equipment.
Read also: How to start a clinic in Kenya.
Cost of Starting Retail Chemist Business in Kenya
The cost of starting a retail chemist business in Kenya ranges between Ksh 600,000 to Ksh 2 million. The cost depends on the business location and the size of the business. The following is a breakdown of the startup costs.
- Annual practicing license - Ksh 2,500
- Premises registration - Ksh 5,000
- Trading license - Ksh 10,000
- 3 months rent - Ksh 30,000
- Equipment - Ksh 50,000
- Stock - Ksh 500,000
Besides the above requirements, you may also need the following equipment for a chemist retail business.
- Weighing balance
- Spatula and slab
- Pestle and mortar
- Measuring cylinders
- Refrigerator
- Reference books
Retail Pharmacy Business Location
Setting up your retail pharmacy business in a developing area is essential for business success. Also, it should be an accessible area by on foot traffic customers and near residential areas. Nairobi, Kisumu, Thika, Mombasa, Eldoret and Nakuru towns are the right places to set up a chemist.
Read also: Profitable small business ideas in Kenya.
Is Chemist Retail Business Profitable in Kenya?
Chemist retail business is a profitable venture if set up in a high income generating areas with high traffic. Holding all other factors constant, a chemist can make between Ksh 3,000 to Ksh 15,000 daily. It implies that you can get back your return on investment within a short period. To increase your revenues, you can run your business concurrently with money transfer services like M-Pesa.
