Kenya is rapidly embracing artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, with innovators already implementing practical solutions even as government regulations are being developed. A leading example is the Antimicro.ai platform, co-founded by Dr. Fredrick Mutisya and Dr. Rachael Kanguha, which predicts bacterial resistance to antibiotics in real time. By analyzing global datasets from 2004 to 2021, the platform allows clinicians to make informed antibiotic prescriptions while awaiting laboratory results, helping to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The platform is open-source, enabling hospitals to use their own data securely, and has already shown high accuracy in rural and underserved communities.
The Kenyan government is concurrently developing a national AI strategy and has engaged stakeholders through consultations to ensure a collaborative and people-centered approach. AI has the potential to augment healthcare capacity in Kenya, where the doctor-to-patient ratio remains extremely low compared to high-income countries. By supporting professionals with data-driven decision-making tools, AI can improve access to quality care, especially in remote or resource-limited areas. Experts also highlight the potential for large language models (LLMs) tailored to African health contexts, though this requires substantial data, infrastructure, and ethical safeguards to ensure equitable and safe deployment.
Despite these advances, significant challenges remain. Africa’s health data is limited, and much of the available datasets come from regions outside the continent, which can limit local applicability. Investments in digital infrastructure, electricity, and internet connectivity are necessary to fully leverage AI in healthcare. Moreover, strong ethical guidelines and accountability measures are essential to prevent misuse or diagnostic errors. Nonetheless, initiatives like Antimicro.ai illustrate Kenya’s potential to lead digital health innovation in Africa, demonstrating that AI can be a practical tool for improving patient outcomes, optimizing resource allocation, and informing health policy in real time.