Kenya’s healthcare system is witnessing a quiet transformation with the introduction of newer therapies for managing Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Two drugs, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, have become available in the country, offering medical professionals and patients additional options for addressing two of the most pressing lifestyle-related health challenges today.
Semaglutide, marketed under names such as Ozempic and SemaQ, belongs to a drug class known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro, falls into a slightly different category, dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists.
Both drugs act by mimicking hormones that help regulate blood sugar levels and appetite, offering benefits for patients managing Type 2 diabetes and those seeking to reduce excess body weight.
Their core mechanism involves enhancing insulin sensitivity, slowing digestion, and signalling the brain to reduce hunger.
These combined actions contribute to improved glycaemic control and weight loss, particularly when supported by healthy lifestyle changes.
Semaglutide has already been introduced in some private hospitals and pharmacies, particularly in major urban centers such as Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu.
Tirzepatide has more recently entered the Kenyan market and is now available by special order in selected healthcare facilities and pharmacies. Both drugs are mainly prescribed by endocrinologists, diabetes specialists, and weight management clinics operating in the private healthcare sector.
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are typically administered as weekly injections. They work by activating specific hormone receptors—GLP-1 in the case of Semaglutide, and both GLP-1 and GIP in the case of Tirzepatide. These receptors help regulate appetite, slow gastric emptying, and lower post-meal blood sugar spikes.
The effects lead to reduced hunger, lower food intake, improved blood sugar control, and gradual weight reduction over time.
Clinical trials have shown that both medications can result in significant weight loss and improvements in blood sugar control. Tirzepatide has demonstrated a higher average weight loss compared to Semaglutide in some studies.
For instance, average weight reduction has been reported at around 22.8 kilograms for patients on Tirzepatide, compared to approximately 15 kilograms for those using Semaglutide.
In terms of body weight percentage, participants on Tirzepatide achieved around 20.2 per cent loss, while those on Semaglutide saw about 13.7 per cent. One clinical study found that 64.6 per cent of individuals using Tirzepatide lost 15 per cent or more of their body weight, compared to 40.1 per cent for those using Semaglutide.
However, it is important to note that outcomes can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as adherence, baseline health conditions, and concurrent lifestyle interventions. Both drugs have shown strong potential in supporting weight loss and metabolic health, and the choice between them should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.
Beyond weight loss, both medications contribute to improved glycaemic control. By enhancing the body’s response to insulin and slowing digestion, they help regulate blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Some emerging evidence suggests potential cardiovascular benefits as well, including reduced risks of heart attacks and strokes, although further studies are needed to confirm long-term effects in broader populations.
Like all medications, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide carry potential side effects. Common ones include abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, and burping. More serious but less frequent side effects may include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, acute kidney injury, and gastrointestinal complications. These risks underline the importance of medical supervision during treatment.
Patients are advised to avoid using these drugs without proper diagnosis or prescription, particularly given their growing popularity on social media platforms as quick-fix weight-loss solutions.
One of the major barriers to widespread adoption of these medications in Kenya is cost. Prices currently range from Sh25,000 to over Sh100,000, depending on brand, formulation, and treatment duration. For many patients, especially those relying on public healthcare or without private insurance coverage, these prices are prohibitive.
Currently, most Kenyan insurance providers do not cover medications prescribed solely for weight loss, limiting access for individuals with obesity but without a concurrent diagnosis of diabetes or other related conditions. In addition, global supply chain pressures have occasionally disrupted availability, affecting consistent access to both drugs.
With increased attention on weight management, there has also been growing concern over the off-label use of these medications. The Kenya Medical Association has recently raised the issue of regulating such use, especially following a rise in online promotion and anecdotal usage for cosmetic weight loss purposes.
Medical professionals caution that these are prescription medications meant for specific clinical indications, and their misuse could pose serious health risks.
Looking ahead, broader availability of Semaglutide, particularly in oral form, such as the Rybelsus tablet, is anticipated in Kenya by the end of 2025. This could increase convenience for patients who prefer non-injectable options and potentially expand access through more pharmacies and private facilities.
As the presence of Tirzepatide grows in the local market, it will offer another option for patients seeking intensive metabolic management under medical supervision. However, cost and equitable access will continue to be critical issues that healthcare stakeholders must address to ensure these innovations benefit a wider section of the population.
The arrival of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide in Kenya marks a promising advancement in the treatment of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Both medications offer effective, research-backed options for patients, though access remains limited by affordability and infrastructure.
For those considering these therapies, it is essential to consult qualified healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate course of treatment based on individual needs and medical history. As Kenya adapts to these evolving medical technologies, there is hope for a more inclusive approach to managing lifestyle-related diseases in the years ahead.
