Safaricom has announced a significant investment of Sh104.8 billion in a consortium aimed at revolutionizing the country's healthcare sector through digital technology.

The investment will be spread over a decade to implement, maintain, and support an Integrated Healthcare Information Technology System (IHTS).

The IHTS is a comprehensive digital health solution designed to improve access to quality healthcare for all Kenyans.

Key components of the system include a Health Information Exchange (HIE) to unify patient records across health facilities, a Standard Based Integrated Hospital Management Information System (IHMIS), a digitized health products and technology (HPT) supply chain, a digital health insurance platform, robust cybersecurity measures, and comprehensive infrastructure to support the digital health ecosystem.

Safaricom's CEO, Peter Ndegwa, emphasized the company's commitment to using technology to address pressing challenges in Kenya.

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"Guided by our purpose of transforming lives, we have led a consortium of companies to advance the ambitions of the Ministry of Health to ensure that every Kenyan has access to quality healthcare," he said.

The consortium, comprising Safaricom, Apeiro Limited, and Konvergenz Network Solutions Limited, will implement the IHTS over the next ten years.

The project is structured to allow the Ministry of Health to deploy the solution without incurring any upfront capital expenditure (CapEx) or operational expenditure (OpEx).

In addition to technology development, Safaricom and its partners will provide training to public health professionals, project management support, and on-the-ground rollout of various technology components across the country.

The consortium's expertise in digital platforms, such as Hustler Fund, the fertilizer e-voucher program, and the inua jamii program, will be instrumental in ensuring the successful implementation of the IHTS.

The investment in digital health aligns with Safaricom's broader strategy to be a purpose-led technology company.

The company has a track record of leveraging technology to empower Kenyans in various sectors, including agriculture, financial inclusion, and social support.

By investing in digital health, Safaricom is demonstrating its commitment to improving the lives of Kenyans and driving the country's development.