Why Kenyans pay a premium for branded drugs despite patent expiry

Generic medicines in Kenya are often 60 to 80 per cent cheaper than their branded counterparts.

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Patients in Kenya continue to pay higher prices for original or non-generic medicines years after patents expire, driven by entrenched prescribing habits, weak regulation, supply gaps, and market incentives that favour costlier products.

A spot check across Nairobi pharmacies shows significant price differences between branded and generic medicines.

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Note: The results are not exact but very close to the actual.