Equity Group-backed medical franchise, Equity Afya, has launched its first standalone community pharmacy in Nairobi.
The move marks the lender’s entry into the retail pharmacy sector as it seeks to expand access to affordable healthcare and essential medicines across Kenya and the region.
The pharmacy, located at Britam Towers in Upper Hill, is the first in a planned network of community pharmacies that Equity Group intends to roll out across Africa.
The launch builds on Equity Afya‘s existing network of 154 medical centres operating in Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Speaking at the launch on Wednesday, June 17, Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman Dr. James Mwangi said the move aims to address gaps in access to quality, affordable medicines, particularly among underserved populations.
“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.
He added that the franchise model is designed to increase access to quality medicines while lowering healthcare costs.
“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.
Community Pharmacy to Provide Medicines and Preventive Care
The new outlet will offer prescription and over-the-counter medicines, as well as free blood pressure and blood sugar screening services.
Customers will also receive wellness and nutrition guidance and referrals to Equity Afya clinics where necessary.
The launch represents a strategic expansion of Equity Afya’s healthcare model beyond clinic-based services into dedicated community pharmacies.
The organization currently serves an average of 130,000 patients every month through its healthcare network.
The initiative traces its roots to the Equity Leaders Program (ELP), a flagship programme under the Equity Group Foundation that has supported thousands of scholars and professionals.
Through the programme, medical practitioners have been trained and empowered to run Equity Afya facilities under a franchise model.
According to Equity Group Foundation, more than 60,000 scholarships have been awarded through ELP, while over 35,000 scholars have secured admission to universities locally and internationally.
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The Gates Foundation Regional Director for Africa, Paulin Basinga, described the partnership as an example of how private-sector expertise can be used to solve social challenges.
“We are thrilled to partner with Equity Group Foundation because this initiative is a perfect example of our core belief: harnessing private-sector know-how to solve the biggest social problems,” said Basinga.
He said the foundation’s support is intended to help scale the model and facilitate expansion into rural communities in Kenya and other African countries.
Equity Group Holdings Chairman Prof. Isaac Macharia said the pharmacy network will be operated through a franchise model involving entrepreneurs from the Equity Leaders Program, with a long-term target of opening 1,000 pharmacies.
Meanwhile, the Group’s Foundation Director of Operations Dr. Joanne Korir said the pharmacy was designed to complement Equity Afya’s healthcare ecosystem by linking patients to affordable medicines and preventive health services.
She added that the pharmacy demonstrates their 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, ensuring they receive the treatments they need, at a price that is fair, from people they can trust,” she said.
