Infrastructure gaps threaten East Africa’s digital health ambitions
NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 2 – Infrastructure gaps, limited connectivity and challenges in implementing telemedicine remain barriers to wider adoption of digital technologies in healthcare across East Africa. This, even as…
Nairobi, Kenya – Despite hospitals and governments across East Africa ramping up adoption of AI, electronic health records and other digital healthcare systems, infrastructure gaps, limited connectivity and telemedicine challenges continue to hinder broader implementation, according to upcoming discussions at the World Health Expo (WHX) Nairobi.
The event, set for September 16–18 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, brings together healthcare providers, technology companies and policymakers to evaluate the region's preparedness for large-scale deployment of digital health solutions. Kenya's Digital Health Act 2023, which established the Digital Health Agency and laid groundwork for integrated health information systems and digital services, is bolstering the shift toward digital health adoption.
Initiatives such as the Health Information Exchange, electronic claims processing, the SHA Registration Portal, the AfyaYangu app and digital hospital management systems are being promoted. However, persistent infrastructure constraints, including unreliable electricity, limited device access and inadequate broadband, pose significant obstacles.
The WHO estimates that only about 30% of telemedicine projects in Africa have been implemented due to these barriers. As a result, healthcare systems are seeking more resilient technologies capable of functioning with limited connectivity, supporting offline workflows and integrating with existing health information systems. Data protection concerns are also on the rise as hospitals and health authorities handle increasing volumes of patient information.
Similar digital health ambitions are being pursued in Ethiopia with its Digital Health Blueprint 2021–2030, which emphasizes digital infrastructure, interoperability and data utilization. East African health technology startups have attracted $865 million in investment since January 2025, showcasing growing interest in the sector.
The WHX Nairobi gathering, expected to attract over 5,500 attendees, reflects the escalating importance of digital technologies in healthcare delivery across the region.
Written by urgent.news from Capital Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
