GSK’s Kenyan subsidiary transitions to Haleon

KENYA— British pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has officially rebranded its Kenyan subsidiary as Haleon Kenya Limited, effective March 14, 2025.

This transition represents the final phase in GSK’s global restructuring, which began in 2022 when it spun off its consumer health division into Haleon, allowing the company to concentrate solely on pharmaceuticals and vaccines.

The rebranding follows GSK’s earlier decision in 2023 to shift away from direct commercial operations in Kenya and move to a distributor-led model for its prescription medicines.

While this transition has raised concerns about the company’s long-term commitment, the Haleon rebrand signals a renewed focus on consumer health products designed to meet local needs.

Earlier this week, Pfizer completed its exit from Haleon by selling its remaining 7.3% stake for around £2.55 billion (US$3.3 billion), effectively closing a years-long separation process from GSK’s former Consumer Healthcare business.

According to Mark Pfister, Haleon’s General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, this change is more than just a name; it reflects the company’s commitment to science-driven solutions.

Haleon Kenya will now manage well-known brands like Sensodyne, Panadol, Eno, and Scott’s Emulsion, which are all household staples in Kenya.

The company has also expanded its manufacturing facility on Nairobi’s Likoni Road.

This location not only services the Kenyan market but also functions as a regional hub covering seven East African markets and South Africa.

This strategic investment highlights Haleon’s dedication to ensuring that essential health products are accessible and of high quality and reach communities efficiently.

After the rebranding, consumers can expect a phased rollout of Haleon’s branding. Over time, product packaging will transition from displaying the GSK logo to a no-logo phase, eventually fully adopting the Haleon identity.

Pfister acknowledged that this transition may lead to some temporary inconsistencies in branding on store shelves but reassured consumers that product quality and formulations would remain unchanged.

Haleon has also committed to drive innovation by combining scientific rigor with insights into human health needs, positioning itself to tackle emerging challenges in Kenya.

The Nairobi plant exemplifies this philosophy, merging local manufacturing expertise with global standards to produce trusted brands.

Pfister emphasized that the legal name change will not disrupt daily operations, staffing, or business continuity, ensuring a seamless service experience for customers.

Although GSK’s exit from direct operations initially raised concerns, Haleon’s rebranding positions it as a standalone entity fully invested in Kenya’s consumer health sector.

This move aligns with global healthcare trends, where specialized companies like Haleon are better equipped to innovate and respond to regional demands.

As Haleon establishes its new identity, Kenyans can look forward to improved product accessibility and tailored health solutions.

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