KENYA: Protesters In Nairobi Central Business District Demand Access To Essential Medications In Kenya

      By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya 

Hundreds of Kenyans gathered in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), to protest against the ongoing shortages of essential medications, including antiretroviral (ARV) drugs crucial for HIV treatment.

The demonstrators, comprising patients, healthcare advocates, and concerned citizens, voiced their frustration over the government’s handling of the healthcare crisis.

Chanting slogans and holding placards that read “Hiv/Aids can be treated,” the protesters marched from Uhuru Park to Afya House, the headquarters of the Ministry of Health.

They demanded immediate action to resolve the drug shortages that have left many patients without necessary treatments.

One protester, Mary Atieno, who has been living with HIV for over a decade, expressed her fears: “Without my ARV medication, my health is at serious risk. The government must ensure a consistent supply of these life-saving drugs.”

The shortages have been attributed to various factors, including procurement delays, logistical challenges, and disputes over taxation of donated medications.

In 2021, a significant shortage of ARV drugs occurred due to a dispute between the Kenyan government and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) over taxation and distribution logistics.

The government imposed a tax of $847,902 on a shipment of donated ARV drugs, leading to delays in distribution and prompting public outcry.

In response to the protests, the Ministry of Health released a statement acknowledging the challenges in drug supply and assuring the public of ongoing efforts to address the issue.

“We are working tirelessly to resolve the current shortages and prevent future occurrences. The health and well-being of Kenyans remain our top priority,” the statement read.

However, this assurance did little to pacify the protesters, who vowed to continue their demonstrations until tangible solutions are implemented.

“We need action, not promises.

Lives are at stake,” said James Mwangi, a healthcare advocate participating in the protest.

The protest remained peaceful, with a noticeable police presence ensuring order.

This comes in the context of previous directives by the police banning protests within the Nairobi CBD due to safety concerns and the potential for criminal elements to infiltrate such gatherings.

As the situation develops, the public and stakeholders in the healthcare sector are keenly watching for the government’s next steps in addressing the critical issue of drug shortages in Kenya.