Peter Ndegwa explains Safaricom's role in SHA system

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV's Power Talk, Ndegwa stated that digitising the healthcare system is aimed at ensuring seamless service delivery for Kenyans.

He noted that the telco envisions a future where Kenyans can conveniently access healthcare services through efficient digital systems and widespread 4G internet connectivity.

"The whole thing about UHC is a very expansive program. Our role is the digitisation element. For instance, we're responsible for ensuring that when you register for SHA, you get the right experience and that the digitisation process is successful," he stated. 

"For doctors, nurses will need tablets and we provide that. Many of the hospitals need 4G coverage, especially in remote areas. We're involved in the whole digitization and it's a 10-year program."

Ndegwa also pointed out that the telco will be paid after completing the digitisation process and enhancing an integrated experience for every Kenyan. 

"It's about completing our scope, and then taking it to the government to assess if we did a good job and then we get paid. Up to now, we have not been paid a cent up to now and we have been working for a year," he added. 

"My personal view is that when the process is fully digitised, patients are fully empowered, hospitals are fully enabled to use digital, and it will be a fantastic system."

He added that Safaricom has previously played a role in digitising both the private and public sectors, and expressed confidence that the healthcare system will become more efficient once the digitisation process is fully implemented. 

"When the processes are fully digitized, when the hospitals are fully enabled, when the patients are fully empowered, it will be a fantastic system."