Equity Afya has expanded into the community pharmacy sector with the launch of its first standalone pharmacy outlet at Britam Towers, Upper Hill, Nairobi, marking the beginning of a planned regional network aimed at improving access to affordable and quality medicines.
The new pharmacy represents a strategic extension of Equity Afya’s healthcare model, which currently operates a network of 154 medical centres across Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The outlet is designed to bring trusted pharmaceutical services closer to communities while strengthening preventive healthcare and patient support.
Pharmacy to offer affordable medicines and preventive health services
Beyond dispensing medicines, the new Equity Afya Pharmacy will provide complimentary blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, wellness support, and nutrition guidance to encourage early detection of health risks and promote healthier lifestyles.
Patients requiring further medical attention will be linked to Equity Afya clinics, creating an integrated healthcare journey from diagnosis to treatment.
The initiative supports Equity Group’s broader ambition of building resilient health systems by improving access to essential medicines and quality healthcare services.
Equity targets lower medicine costs through a franchise model
Speaking during the launch, Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman Dr. James Mwangi said the expansion into community pharmacies responds to challenges facing many Kenyans in accessing affordable and reliable medicines.
He noted that limited access to licensed pharmacies has contributed to inequalities in healthcare delivery, affecting health outcomes and economic productivity.
“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% to 80% while significantly expanding access to safe and effective pharmaceutical care for all Kenyans,” Dr. Mwangi said.
The pharmacy network will operate through a franchise model designed to empower healthcare entrepreneurs while expanding availability of quality-assured pharmaceutical services.
Equity Afya builds on healthcare and education investment
The community pharmacy initiative builds on Equity Group Foundation’s long-term investment in human capital development through the Equity Leaders Program (ELP).
Through the programme, Equity has awarded more than 60,009 scholarships and supported 35,353 university scholars to gain admission into local and international universities.
Some ELP alumni have pursued careers in medicine and now operate Equity Afya medical centres through the franchise model. Equity Afya has grown into one of Africa’s largest franchised primary healthcare networks, serving an average of 130,000 patients monthly.
Gates Foundation backs expansion of pharmacy network
Gates Foundation Regional Director for Africa Paulin Basinga described the partnership as an example of how private-sector expertise can help address major social challenges.
Basinga said the foundation’s support would help unlock the scalability of the model and support expansion of Equity Afya pharmacies into rural communities in Kenya and across Africa.
“We are thrilled to partner with Equity Group Foundation because this initiative is a perfect example of harnessing private-sector know-how to solve the biggest social problems,” he said.
Ambitious plan to establish 1,000 pharmacies
Equity Group Holdings Plc Chairman Professor Isaac Macharia said the pharmacy network would leverage the talent and trust built through the Equity Leaders Program.
He revealed that the Group’s long-term goal is to establish 1,000 Equity Afya pharmacies across the region, creating opportunities for healthcare entrepreneurs while improving access to essential medicines.
Equity Group Foundation Director of Operations Dr. Joanne Korir said the pharmacy model was developed in response to changing healthcare needs and aims to provide patients with reliable medicines and preventive health services at fair prices.
“This pharmacy is a demonstration of our integrated approach to healthcare. By connecting patients to a reliable source of medicine and preventive health services, we are creating a seamless journey from diagnosis to recovery,” she said.
Strengthening Africa’s primary healthcare systems
The launch of the first Equity Afya Pharmacy marks a major milestone in Equity Group’s healthcare transformation strategy.
As the network expands, the Group expects community pharmacies to strengthen primary healthcare delivery, improve access to essential medicines, and increase confidence in quality pharmaceutical services.
The initiative aligns with Equity’s long-term vision of supporting healthier communities and driving inclusive socio-economic development through accessible healthcare solutions.