Knowledge base
The laws behind our work
The Acts of Parliament from which the Government Chemist's mandate is derived.
The mandate of the Government Chemist is derived from various legal provisions, among other national legal statutes:
- Interpretation and General Provisions Act, Cap 2
- Penal Code, Cap 63
- Evidence Act, Cap 80
- Sexual Offences Act, 2006
- Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Act, Cap 254
- Pharmacy and Poisons Act, Cap 244
- Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Cap 245
- Pest Control Products Act, Cap 346
- Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, Cap 121A
- Occupational Safety and Health Act, Cap 514
- Standards Act, Cap 496
- Water Act, 2002 (Cap 372)
- Anti-Counterfeit Agency Act, Cap 130A
- Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act
Read how these translate into the department's work under mandate and functions.
Last updated 2 November 2026
Also interesting
- Expert evidence in courtTechnical reports, certificates and expert testimony for the administration of justice.
- The Chemical Weapons ConventionHow the Government Chemist serves as Kenya's National Authority for the CWC.
- The referral laboratory roleWhy the Government Chemist is the authority in disputed laboratory results.