Kenya Pilots Digital System to Boost Medical Device Oversight

The Ministry of Health has unveiled a new digital data management system designed to strengthen the oversight and coordination of medical devices across the country.

Developed in partnership with key stakeholders and supported by PATH under the SCALE project, the system enables real-time tracking of medical equipment inventory and maintenance. It covers a wide range of critical devices, including X-ray machines, dialysis units, and ultrasound scanners.

According to a statement from the ministry, the system is intended to enhance accountability and efficiency in medical device management at both national and county levels. “This initiative marks a significant step toward modernizing our healthcare infrastructure,” the ministry noted.

The platform has already been piloted in Nyeri and Makueni counties, where over 1,400 devices have been documented. It provides health officials with timely data to inform decisions on maintenance, replacements, and resource allocation.

Hosted on Ministry of Health servers, the digital system will be integrated into the broader Digital Health Superhighway through the Health Data Authority (HDA). Officials say the move will support more streamlined infrastructure planning and ultimately improve healthcare service delivery.

The pilot marks a key milestone in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to digitize its health systems and improve operational transparency across all levels of care.

Written By Rodney Mbua