Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa.

Safaricom, Kenyan telecoms company, has collaborated with a coalition of businesses to introduce a multi-million dollar Integrated Healthcare Information Technology System (IHTS system) in Kenya.

Safaricom will lead a partnership that comprises Apeiro Ltd and Konvergenz Network Solutions Ltd to deliver IHITS.

These three partners specialise in health technology, digital infrastructure, and healthcare management.

According to a statement signed by Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa, the three companies will invest roughly $815 million over ten years to develop, manage, and support the IHTS system beginning in February 2025.

Ndegwa said the consortium will recover the investment over the period with monthly instalments set to commence in February 2025 upon successful completion of key milestones of the project.

"This project structure allows the Ministry of Health to deploy a comprehensive digital health solution without incurring any upfront capital expenditure or operational expenditure," he said.

The project's key component is the establishment of a Health Information Exchange, which is intended to enhance interoperability among all health systems in the country. This will allow for the unification of patient records across healthcare facilities, boosting efficiency and continuity of service.

In addition, the system will make it easier to create and implement a Standards-Based Integrated Hospital Management Information System, which will aid in the digitisation of public health institutions.

The initiative also intends to provide a comprehensive infrastructure for Kenya's digital healthcare ecosystem.

This will feature a locally hosted health cloud, particularly built endpoint devices such as tablets and PCs for healthcare personnel, and a secure mobile and fixed network infrastructure across public health facilities. Power backup systems will also be installed at healthcare facilities to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Safaricom and its partners intend to implement strong cybersecurity measures to protect patient data and maintain compliance with Kenyan legislation. They will also assist the Ministry in training public health personnel, project management, and the nationwide implementation of various technology components.

“The delivery of this project builds on Safaricom’s ability to roll out digital platforms that have had a positive impact on Kenyans such as Hustler Fund, the fertiliser e-voucher programme and disbursement of social support funds to the elderly through the Inua Jamii program,” Ndegwa concluded.