Laikipia

Health is the largest devolved sector in Kenya, following the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution. In a study titled Challenges of the Devolved Health Sector in Kenya: Teething Problems or Systemic Contradictions?, Leah Kimathi of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology observed that the rationale for devolving the sector was to allow county governments to design innovative models and interventions suitable to their unique needs and contexts. It was also supposed to encourage effective citizen participation and make autonomous and quick decisions on resource mobilisation and management of issues.

Although Laikipia was not one of the counties picked for the UHC pilot study, it has shown interest in embracing technology to realise good healthcare. The Laikipia County Health Executive, Lenai Kamario, says they intend to streamline the referral system through technology, so that nurses and clinical officers in dispensaries can consult specialists based in major hospitals.

Laikipia has two referral hospitals, one in Nanyuki, and the other in Nyahururu. Residents have been forced to travel long distances to seek services at referral hospitals, something the Health Executive says they intend to change through technology. Specifically, the county plans to deploy a mobile phone app that will allow nurses and clinical officers to send and share videos and images of diagnostic samples. Health workers will also be able to contact medics in other areas of the country and even abroad.

Similarly, Kisii County has reported that it is in the process of starting telemedicine.