The short answer
Weight-loss injections are prescription-only medicines in Kenya. As of October 2026, semaglutide is registered under several names, including Ozempic (for type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (for weight management). Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has an application under review with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB). None of these should be used without a medical assessment. Counterfeit pens have been reported in circulation.
What these medicines are
They belong to a family called GLP-1-based medicines. They copy hormones your gut releases after a meal, which signal fullness to the brain, slow how fast the stomach empties and help control blood sugar. They are taken as a once-weekly injection under the skin, starting at a low dose that is increased step by step. How GLP-1 medicines work explains this in more detail.
Registration status in Kenya (October 2026)
| Medicine | Active ingredient | Status in Kenya |
|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | Registered for adults with type 2 diabetes |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | Registered for weight management in adults with a high BMI |
| Generic semaglutide | Semaglutide | Five generics approved in 2026, for type 2 diabetes |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Application under PPB review (reported September 2026) |
Registrations change. For any product, ask the prescriber for its name and registration details and check them against the PPB's online product register.
Ozempic for weight loss: what "off-label" means
Ozempic is registered for type 2 diabetes. Using it purely for weight loss is "off-label". That does not make it illegal for a doctor to prescribe, but it means the decision rests on a proper assessment of your health. The PPB has repeatedly warned Kenyans against unsupervised off-label use, describing risks that include low blood sugar, eye problems, acid reflux and bowel obstruction. Wegovy is the semaglutide product registered specifically for weight management.
What the Pharmacy and Poisons Board has warned
- These are prescription-only medicines and should be used "following appropriate assessment" by a qualified health professional.
- Do not use them for self-directed weight loss or buy them from unauthorised sources.
- Products with the same active ingredient are not necessarily interchangeable.
- Counterfeit semaglutide pens have been flagged following an Interpol alert.
- Suspected side effects or poor-quality medicines can be reported to the PPB, including by dialling *271#.
Seven checks before you start any weight-loss injection
- A clinician has assessed you. That means your history, medicines, weight and waist, and blood tests where needed. A seller who asks nothing is a warning sign.
- You know exactly what you are taking. Get the product name, the active ingredient, its strength and the batch number.
- The cold chain is intact. These medicines must be kept refrigerated. A pen that arrives warm or has been sitting in a shop window should not be used.
- The packaging is sealed and consistent. Labels, spelling, expiry dates and batch numbers should match across box and pen.
- Someone is following you up. Dose increases, side effects and progress need review, not a one-off sale.
- The price is believable. A large discount on a scarce medicine is a common sign of fakes.
- It is not being sold by an influencer. Social media sellers are a frequent source of unverified product.
Who should not use these medicines
They are not for pregnancy, breastfeeding or anyone trying to conceive. They are not for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2 syndrome. They need extra care in anyone with a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease or an eating disorder. Side effects and safety covers this in full.
Talk it through with a doctor
Whether any of these medicines is right for you depends on your health, your history and your goals. The first phone consultation is free, and there is no obligation.
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