Safaricom, Kenya’s leading telecommunications company, has teamed up with a coalition of businesses to launch a multi-million-dollar Integrated Healthcare Information Technology System (IHTS) aimed at transforming Kenyan healthcare.
The partnership, which includes Apeiro Ltd and Konvergenz Network Solutions Ltd, focuses on delivering an advanced digital healthcare solution. Each of the partners brings specific expertise in health technology, digital infrastructure, and healthcare management, positioning the project for success.
In a statement from Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa, the consortium plans to invest approximately $815 million over the next ten years to develop, manage, and support the IHTS. The project is set to begin in February 2025, with Safaricom and its partners recovering their investment through monthly installments, which will start once key project milestones are met.
“This innovative approach enables the Ministry of Health to roll out a comprehensive digital health solution without incurring upfront capital or operational expenses,” Ndegwa explained.
One of the project’s critical components is the establishment of a Health Information Exchange, designed to improve interoperability across Kenya’s healthcare systems. This will allow seamless sharing and integration of patient records across healthcare facilities, enhancing service efficiency and continuity of care within the Kenyan healthcare system.
The initiative also aims to introduce a Standards-Based Integrated Hospital Management Information System, which will drive the digitisation of public health institutions throughout the country. This will streamline healthcare operations and improve service delivery.
To support this ambitious transformation, the project will establish vital infrastructure for Kenya’s digital healthcare ecosystem. This includes a locally hosted health cloud, custom-built endpoint devices such as tablets and PCs for healthcare staff, and secure mobile and fixed network infrastructure for public health facilities. Additionally, power backup systems will be installed to ensure continuous healthcare services, even in the event of power outages.
Safaricom and its partners are also placing a high priority on cybersecurity. They plan to implement robust measures to protect patient data and ensure compliance with Kenyan healthcare regulations. Furthermore, the consortium will assist the Ministry of Health with the training of healthcare personnel, project management, and the nationwide deployment of various technological components.
“The successful implementation of this project builds on Safaricom’s history of delivering impactful digital platforms, such as the Hustler Fund, the fertilizer e-voucher program, and the Inua Jamii social support initiative for the elderly,” Ndegwa concluded. This initiative marks a significant step forward in the modernisation of Kenyan healthcare, promising to boost efficiency, security, and overall patient care.