The recent doctors’ strike in Kenya, one of the longest in the country’s history, highlighted vulnerabilities in the public healthcare system. For nearly two months, patients were turned away from hospitals, and critical services, including surgeries and emergency care, were severely disrupted. Many were forced to seek care at private facilities, driving up costs and exposing the gaps in healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. The strike underscored the urgent need for alternative healthcare delivery models, including digital health solutions, to ensure continuity of care for all Kenyans.
During the strike, demand for digital health services surged, particularly in regions with limited access to traditional healthcare. Platforms like BYON8, M-Tiba, and MyDawa played pivotal roles in delivering telemedicine consultations, reducing travel costs, and increasing accessibility. BYON8, for instance, scaled its platform to accommodate a higher volume of users and expanded its network of remote doctors to reach rural communities. Similarly, MyDawa leveraged a $20 million investment to broaden its regional reach. Experts like Dr. Rowena Njeri emphasized that digital health should complement, not replace, traditional care, stressing the importance of patient-centered systems that integrate with broader healthcare delivery and maintain continuous follow-up.
Policy support and sustainable financing are crucial for scaling digital health in Kenya. Dr. Ryan Nyotu of AfyaPress highlighted digital health’s role in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and improving decision-making through clean patient data. By ensuring interoperability, adhering to international guidelines, and securing funding, digital health innovations can enhance patient outcomes beyond crisis periods. The strike served as a catalyst, accelerating adoption and demonstrating the value of digital platforms. Moving forward, Kenya’s healthcare future will rely on the integration of technology, policy, and investment to create resilient, accessible, and patient-centered healthcare systems that benefit the entire population.