In the spirit of improving healthcare as a critical pillar of economic development, Safaricom is committed to transforming healthcare in Kenya and beyond through innovative technologies, local manufacturing, and strategic partnerships.
Speaking during the official opening of a three-day East Africa Region Global Healthcare Security Summit in Mombasa, Safaricom PLC-Regional Chief Enterprise Business Officer Cynthia Kropac said that a healthy economy begins with accessible and digitized healthcare systems.
“As a company, we invest in systems that support the digitization of healthcare systems in hospitals across the country, enablement of community health workers, where critical data and early detection and early awareness is important in building a resilient, healthy economy,” she said.
According to her, the company has equipped over 110,000 health workers with affordable devices manufactured in Kenya.
She said that the devices are important because they will help in early detection of disease enabling health workers to deliver universal healthcare seamlessly.
“This initiative represents more than healthcare, it is about local manufacturing, creating local jobs, and ensuring affordability while enhancing service delivery,” she noted.
The Regional Chief Enterprise Business Officer said that they have spearheaded the digitization of hospitals across Kenya by equipping them and providing clean water and education.
“All county hospitals in Mombasa are now equipped with digital Healthcare Management Information Systems (HMIS), enabling doctors to access patient records on locally manufactured tablets,” she said.
She said that this system is set to help doctors provide accurate, efficient care and by the end of the year, they aim to roll out the system to county hospitals across the country.
“Every single county has been touched with our Safaricom and M-Pesa foundations, and as part of this global healthcare security, we are continuing on that quest to partner with government and other agencies to provide these solutions everywhere they need to be, especially across this Eastern bloc. As Safaricom endeavours to be a leading technology company in Africa, it is our purpose to ensure that we are transforming lives wherever they are,” she said.
As part of Safaricom’s broader goal of universal healthcare access for everyone, the company is working closely with the government to ensure affordable internet connectivity fibre at home and public Wi-Fi hotspots.
Kropac said that with 97 percent of Kenya’s population having access to 4G and 5G, initiatives such as telemedicine are becoming a reality, solutions that will allow patients to consult with doctors from the comfort of their homes.
According to her, more than 75 percent of Kenyan and African youths below the age of 35 are using mobile phones and it is because of this that Safaricom is leveraging mobile technology to empower the younger generation.
“A phone is universal, young people spend at least four hours on their phones daily, so we must leverage this to provide job opportunities, access to health information, and digital skills for the future workforce,” Kropac said.
She said that the company is also equipping schools with tools to prepare students for careers in digital fields.
“We are teaching children how to build the country by understanding health, food security, and technology and connectivity is the foundation for this transformation,” she said.
Looking beyond Kenya, she said that Safaricom aims to export its expertise across Africa.
“As the largest company in East and Central Africa, our vision is to lead Africa’s technological transformation, improving health systems, creating economic opportunities, and connecting communities,” she said.
“She also called for greater collaboration saying that “the health of this country starts with us, we must rely on ourselves to build resilient systems and partner strategically to ensure everyone benefits.”
The CEO said that as they continue to transform lives through technology, they are open to partnerships that accelerate resilience in the health system.
