NAIROBI, Kenya – The government is stepping up efforts to rein in the misuse of Ozempic, a diabetes drug that has rapidly gained popularity as a weight-loss solution in Kenya, amid mounting public health concerns and reports of counterfeit products flooding the market.
Ozempic, originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels, is now being sought by non-diabetics looking to shed weight—fuelling an underground market and prompting warnings from health officials.
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni confirmed Wednesday that swift regulatory measures are being taken to address the misuse of the drug.
“Our Pharmacy and Poisons Board is already taking action on the matter, and I’m confident that a comprehensive report on the steps being taken will soon be available,” Muthoni said during an interview on the NTV/Nation FM simulcast.
Muthoni urged Kenyans to only purchase medications from licensed pharmacies and healthcare providers, warning against sourcing drugs from unauthorised outlets such as supermarkets and unregistered chemists.
“We are on the move in regard to drug use and abuse,” she said, emphasising the need for professional oversight and strict regulatory compliance in the pharmaceutical industry.
The crackdown follows growing unease over the rise of counterfeit versions of Ozempic, which have been flagged by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board as a serious health threat.
The surge in demand has been fuelled partly by celebrity endorsements and viral social media posts touting the drug’s weight-loss effects, often without medical supervision.
Concerns Over UHC Worker Protests
Muthoni also addressed the unrest among Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers, who have been protesting over delayed salaries and contractual disputes involving the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors.
The PS attributed some of the challenges to discrepancies in staffing records, including the existence of “ghost workers”—individuals listed on payrolls despite no longer being active in the programme.
“Government processes involve thorough verification, including audits. If ghost workers exist, we must carry out a headcount to confirm the facts,” she said.
According to Muthoni, some workers have exited the programme through natural attrition, while others have been absorbed by county governments or taken up opportunities elsewhere.
The Ministry is now conducting audits and staff headcounts to determine the accurate number of active personnel.
