Kenyan Public Health Facilities to Go Fully Digital by October 2025

Nairobi, Kenya – In a major step towards modernizing the country’s healthcare system, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced that all public health facilities in Kenya will be fully digitised by October 1, 2025. This initiative is part of the government’s broader health sector reforms aimed at improving service delivery nationwide.

Speaking on Tuesday during his official handover ceremony at Afya House, Duale highlighted the critical role of technology in transforming healthcare services. “By 1st October 2025, all public health facilities will be fully digitalised, ensuring efficient and effective healthcare services across the country,” he stated.

Key Components of the Digitalisation Initiative

The transition to a digital system will involve several critical developments:

• Integration of the Social Health Authority (SHA) systems: This will unify health records and streamline access to medical services.
• Development of the AfyaYangu platform: A nationwide system designed to enable patients to access their health records from any public hospital.
• Distribution of over 7,000 digital devices: These will be deployed to public hospitals, ensuring they can compete with private healthcare providers.

24/7 Taifa Care Call Centre and Financial Support Measures

To enhance service delivery, the Ministry of Health has also launched the Taifa Care call centre, a 24/7 helpline aimed at addressing health-related inquiries and providing continuous support to Kenyans.

Duale also outlined key financial measures to support the healthcare sector, including:

• ICU and HDU bed rebate increase: From April 1, 2025, the rebate will rise to Ksh.28,000 per day.
• Enhanced oncology package for cancer patients: The coverage will increase to Ksh.550,000 per patient, making cancer treatment more affordable.

Strengthening KEMSA and Health Information Systems

To improve the efficiency of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), the government has committed to a recapitalisation of Ksh.1.5 billion and a Ksh.5 billion credit facility. These funds will help ensure a 90% order fill rate, enhancing the supply of essential medicines and medical equipment.

Additionally, the government has made significant progress with the Comprehensive Integrated Health Information Management System. This platform has facilitated the digitalisation of SHA services and the creation of a Health Information Exchange, which ensures that medical data is portable and easily accessible across different facilities.

Sustainable Medical Equipment Programme

Duale also highlighted the National Equipment Service Programme (NESP), which aims to ensure continuous access to medical equipment in county health facilities. This programme builds on the success of the previous Medical Equipment Service (MES) programme while adopting a more financially sustainable model.

Looking Ahead

With these sweeping reforms, Kenya’s healthcare system is set for a major transformation, ensuring better service delivery for all citizens. The digitisation efforts, coupled with increased financial investments and streamlined health services, are expected to make healthcare more accessible and efficient.

In other news:University of Nairobi Faces Financial Crisis with Debts Exceeding Ksh.12 Billion

Kenyan Public Health Facilities to Go Fully Digital by October 2025