Equity Group-backed healthcare franchise Equity Afya has expanded its healthcare footprint with the launch of its first standalone community pharmacy in Nairobi, marking its entry into the retail pharmaceutical sector.
The new facility, situated at Britam Towers in Upper Hill, signals the beginning of a wider expansion strategy that will see the organization establish a network of community pharmacies across Kenya and other African markets.
Speaking during the launch on Wednesday, Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman Dr. James Mwangi said the initiative is intended to bridge longstanding gaps in access to affordable, quality medicines, particularly for communities that remain underserved by formal healthcare systems.
He noted that many Kenyans still face challenges accessing licensed pharmacies, a situation that continues to contribute to disparities in healthcare delivery and outcomes.
“Today, very few Kenyans have convenient access to a licensed pharmacy, underscoring deep inequalities that leave vast populations underserved and excluded from essential care,” said Mwangi.
According to Dr. Mwangi, the community pharmacy model is designed to make essential medicines more accessible while significantly lowering healthcare costs.
He said the initiative aims to reduce the cost of medicines by between 50 and 80 percent through an integrated healthcare approach that combines pharmaceutical services with broader medical care.
“Through this franchise model, our strategic objective is to enhance access to high-quality, affordable medicine and integrated healthcare, with the goal of reducing the cost of medicine by 50 percent to 80 percent while significantly expanding access to safe and effective pharmaceutical care for all Kenyans,” he said.
The pharmacy will stock both prescription and non-prescription medicines and offer additional preventive health services, including free blood pressure and blood sugar screening.
Customers will also have access to nutrition and wellness advice, with referrals to Equity Afya clinics provided where specialized medical attention is required.
The launch represents a strategic evolution of Equity Afya’s healthcare model, extending its services beyond clinic-based care to include dedicated pharmaceutical outlets within communities.
Equity Afya currently serves an average of 130,000 patients every month through its growing healthcare network. The franchise operates 146 facilities across Kenya and an additional four in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The network is staffed by multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, pharmaceutical technologists, dentists, oral health officers, laboratory technologists, sonographers and optometrists.
Its facilities are equipped with modern medical technology to support the delivery of both preventive and curative healthcare services.
