NAIROBI, Kenya, June 18 – Equity Group is eyeing the pharmacy business after the launch of its first standalone pharmacy in Nairobi.
The pharmacy, located at Britam Towers in Upper Hill, is the first in a planned network that the healthcare provider says will improve access to medicines and basic health services.
The move expands Equity Afya’s footprint beyond its network of 154 medical centres operating across Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo. While the clinics already have in-house pharmacies, the new outlet is its first dedicated community pharmacy.
The facility will offer prescription and over-the-counter medicines, alongside free blood pressure and blood sugar screening services. Customers will also receive nutrition and wellness advice, with referrals made to Equity Afya clinics where necessary.
The expansion comes as healthcare providers seek to increase access to primary healthcare services and medicines amid growing demand from Kenya’s expanding urban population.
Speaking during the launch, Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman James Mwangi said access to quality and affordable medicines remains a challenge for many Kenyans, particularly in underserved areas.
He said the long-term plan is to establish a pharmacy franchise network that will lower medicine costs and increase access to pharmaceutical services.
The initiative is also expected to create business opportunities for healthcare professionals trained through the Equity Leaders Program, with graduates expected to operate some of the pharmacy franchises.
According to Equity Group, the pharmacy business will be built on the same franchise model that has supported the growth of Equity Afya clinics across the country.
The launch was backed by the Gates Foundation, which said the model could help expand access to healthcare services in Kenya and other African countries if successfully scaled.
Equity Afya currently serves an estimated 130,000 patients every month through its network of clinics, making it one of the region’s largest primary healthcare providers.
