Kenya’s pharmaceutical sector has undergone a significant transformation with the exit of GlaxoSmithKline Limited (GSK) and the introduction of Haleon Kenya Limited, marking the end of an era for the British multinational’s direct operations in the country. As of March 14, 2025, GSK’s legal entity in Kenya officially changed its name to Haleon Kenya Limited, following the restructuring that began in 2022 when GSK spun off its consumer healthcare division into an independent company. This strategic move, which led to the birth of Haleon plc, saw GSK initially retain a stake in the new entity. However, the pharmaceutical giant has since divested all its shares, severing formal ownership ties with the consumer health business.
GSK’s decision to exit Kenya in 2023 was part of its broader global restructuring, with a renewed focus on pharmaceuticals and vaccines. Rather than directly supplying the Kenyan market, GSK now operates through a third-party distributor for its medicinal products. The company’s once-active manufacturing presence on Likoni Road, within Nairobi’s Industrial Area, has been absorbed by Haleon, which has used the acquisition as a springboard to expand both its production capacity and regional influence.
The transition to Haleon brings with it a new chapter in consumer healthcare for Kenya. The new entity is responsible for producing well-known health brands such as Sensodyne toothpaste, Panadol pain relievers, Eno antacid, and Scott’s Emulsion. These products are not only distributed within Kenya but are also exported to neighboring East African countries and South Africa, establishing Nairobi as a vital regional manufacturing hub.
Mark Pfister, Haleon’s general manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized that the rebranding is more than a cosmetic change. He noted that the shift represents a strong commitment to enhancing access to high-quality, science-backed health products specifically tailored to meet the needs of Kenyan consumers. Pfister also highlighted the expansion of local manufacturing, which is intended to ensure reliable supply and uphold rigorous quality standards.
A key element of the transition involves the gradual removal of the GSK logo from product packaging. Consumers will likely notice varying branding during this period, as some products will temporarily feature no logo before the full adoption of Haleon branding. This phased approach is designed to minimize disruption while ensuring clarity for consumers. Pfister explained that the evolution of packaging—shifting from GSK to a logo-less phase, and eventually to Haleon’s identity—will be evident across different product lines and even within the same product category.
GSK’s separation of its consumer healthcare division was heralded as one of its most significant structural changes in two decades. The move reflects GSK’s strategic pivot to focus solely on pharmaceuticals, with an emphasis on developing innovative and specialized medicines. In alignment with this shift, GSK announced in 2023 that it would cease direct marketing of medicines to healthcare professionals in 29 sub-Saharan African markets, including Kenya, opting instead for a distributor-led model that further underscores its narrowed focus.
The emergence of Haleon in Kenya symbolizes not just a corporate rebranding, but a reorientation of the consumer health landscape. With expanded local manufacturing, regional distribution, and a suite of trusted products, Haleon is poised to fill the void left by GSK’s departure and redefine the future of health and wellness solutions in Kenya and beyond.
