Telemedicine Gains Popularity as Patients Seek Convenience

Telemedicine is rapidly gaining traction in Kenya as more patients embrace virtual consultations for their convenience and efficiency. Experts say that high mobile-phone penetration and improved internet access have made it easier for patients to consult with doctors from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for time-consuming travel to health facilities.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption substantially. During the crisis, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) approved about 20 hospitals to offer virtual consultation services, a move that has since evolved into longer-term licensing for telemedicine. According to a survey of Kenyan doctors, roughly 50 percent reported using telemedicine, particularly for physician-to-physician consultations.
Beyond convenience, telehealth is proving cost-effective and stigma-reducing. Health experts from Addis Clinic say virtual consultations are one of the fastest and cheapest ways to provide medical services, especially in HIV care where privacy is critical. Patients also benefit from online pharmacy integrations; for example, platforms like MyDawa enable users to consult a physician and have prescriptions delivered, reducing unnecessary physical contact and time spent in line.
However, challenges remain. Many doctors cite poor ICT infrastructure as a key barrier to scaling telemedicine, especially in rural areas.Cultural resistance, limited digital literacy among patients, and uncertain funding for telehealth services continue to slow full adoption. Still, with ongoing government investment in internet infrastructure and growing private-sector innovation, telemedicine is increasingly seen as a sustainable complement to traditional healthcare in Kenya.