Kenya has recently implemented a series of new health laws, most notably the Digital Health Act, 2023, aimed at bolstering the legal framework for healthcare financing, healthcare service delivery, and the pursuit of universal healthcare coverage.
These newly enacted laws also encompass the Social Health Insurance Act of 2023, the Primary Health Care Act, 2023, and the Facility Improvement Financing Act, 2023, all designed to fortify Kenya’s healthcare sector.
Kenya’s President, William Ruto, acknowledged the healthcare sector’s advancements in digital technology transformation. Omnia Health, in a report, cited that the increasing demand, government commitment, technological advancements, private sector engagement, expanding health insurance coverage, medical tourism potential, and a focus on preventive healthcare are the forces behind the growth and development of healthcare systems in Kenya.
President Ruto, however, pointed out the existing lack of coordination in technology adoption. This disconnect has manifested through the fragmented implementation of various technologies, with healthcare stakeholders failing to adhere to fundamental digital health standards, guidelines, recommendations, and principles of digital development.
In his address commemorating 60 years of Kenyan independence, President Ruto underscored the significance of universal health coverage and identified digitisation as a crucial pillar for the healthcare domain.
He stated, “The Digital Health Act establishes the legal foundation for building a comprehensive and integrated health information system. These systems will facilitate end-to-end visibility of healthcare processes and the seamless exchange and portability of data, thereby enhancing healthcare service delivery and optimising resource utilisation.”
President Ruto, since taking office, has consistently emphasised the pivotal role of technology in enhancing Kenya’s effectiveness, promoting inclusivity, and fostering transparency. In line with this vision, the Kenyan government has digitised a wide array of government services, allowing citizens to access more than 5,000 government services online through the recently enhanced e-Citizen portal.
During a US-Kenya business roadshow in San Francisco, California, President Ruto engaged with several tech CEOs last month. He positioned Kenya as a prime investment destination for technology firms, asserting, “Establishing your presence in Kenya makes your African footprint inevitable.”
Central Health Information System
The newly enacted Digital Health Act introduces the establishment of an Integrated Health Information System, which is explicitly defined as follows:
“It is a health ecosystem designed to oversee the management of health and health-related system data, serving as the cornerstone for informed decision-making. This system encompasses functions for the collection, compilation, storage, management, analysis, synthesis, and transmission of electronic health records for patients or clients. Furthermore, it employs health and health-related data for operational management and provides essential support for healthcare policy decisions.”
In essence, this legislation sets the stage for a predefined central information system to which all stakeholders, including patients, medical practitioners, nurses, pharmacies, insurers, hospital facility operators, and others, are expected to connect. These stakeholders will retain their autonomy in their respective roles while plugging into this central system.
The overarching goal is to ensure that all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, have access to a singular, authoritative source of truth regarding health-related activities throughout the country.
