Health Ministry denies switching off Murang’a’s Afya Ke system

The Ministry of Health has refuted claims that it disabled the Afya Ke digital health system in Murang'a County. According to a statement, the Ministry neither owns nor manages the system; it is a private arrangement between the county government and its developers. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale emphasized that the Ministry had no control over the platform or its source code.

This clarification comes after Governor Murang'a alleged that the Ministry had disabled the system, sparking concerns about the management of digital health services in the area. Duale also dismissed allegations that the Digital Health Agency (DHA) refused to certify Afya Ke, stating that neither the system's developers nor the county government submitted an application for certification.

The Ministry urged the governor to avoid making statements he deemed misleading, which could cause unnecessary concern among residents and healthcare stakeholders. Duale reaffirmed the Ministry's dedication to supporting the county and other health service providers in enhancing their digital health programs. He assured Murang'a residents that SHA beneficiaries would continue receiving healthcare services uninterrupted through existing SHA systems.

The controversy unfolds as the Ministry aims to bolster digital health infrastructure and improve healthcare delivery nationwide. The Ministry pledged its commitment to maintaining continuity of care and facilitating the efficient operation of digital health systems in all 47 counties.