The National Assembly Health Committee has cleared the Safaricom-led Sh104 billion health digitalisation project, saying everything above board.
Safaricom had been selected to lead a consortium that includes Apeiro Ltd and Konvergenz Network Solutions Ltd to provide an Integrated Healthcare Information Technology System (IHTS System). IHITS is a key infrastructure for implementing Kenya’s Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) replacing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
The Committee Members had however questioned the role of Safaricom within the Consortium, particularly why it was designated as the lead partner of the Consortium.
According to a statement read by the Chair of the National Assembly Committee on Health Robert Pukose The Ministry of Health identified Safaricom PLC as a strategic partner and gave Safaricom a request for a proposal for the tender. ‘’However, Safaricom submitted its bid as consortium with Apiero Limited and Konvergenz Network Solutions Limited with Safaricom as the lead bidder.’’
‘’Safaricom’s role in the Consortium involves overseeing the entire project, ensuring that all Consortium partners adhere to the contract’s terms and deliver their respective components as per the agreed scope.’’
Members of the Committee had also raised concerns regarding the procurement of the Integrated Information Technology System For Universal Healthcare particularly on the absence of a formal letter of consent from the Office of the Attorney General.
Pukose noted that the Ministry of Health had however presented the formal clearance by the Attorney-General ‘’thereby complying with all the legal requirements that were intended to safeguard public money through an assurance that there is value for money in any government transaction. ‘’
He revealed that Safaricom, especially with other competitors in the market, was identified owing to its strong capacity to manage and coordinate the project effectively.
‘’Safaricom is the largest telecommunications company in Kenya and one of the most advanced in East Africa.’’
The Ministry of Health highlighted Safaricom’s technological advantages, particularly its extensive 5G network, which currently reaches 77% of the Kenyan population. In addition, they maintained that Safaricom’s network covers over 99% of the country, providing connectivity in remote areas. ‘’These factors made Safaricom the most suitable partner for a large-scale project that requires robust and reliable digital infrastructure,’’ he said.
Key components of the project include the implementation of a Health Information Exchange (HIE) designed to promote interoperability across health systems nationwide. This will enable the unification of patient records across healthcare facilities, improving the efficiency and continuity of care.
Additionally, the system will facilitate the development and deployment of a Standards-Based Integrated Hospital Management Information System (IHMIS) to help digitize public health facilities.
The project also aims to establish a comprehensive infrastructure for Kenya’s digital health ecosystem.
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