KNH unveils digital system to streamline patient care, cut delays

KNH CEO Richard Lesiyampe among other doctors posing for a photo during the launch of Afya Apex Digital Health System at Kenyatta Hospital on March 17 /HANDOUT

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has launched Afya Apex Taifa Care System, a comprehensive digital platform seeking to make the institution fully paperless and transform healthcare delivery in Kenya.

 Digital Health Authority CEO Anthony Lenayara reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening digital healthcare infrastructure.

He said KNH will benefit from free internet connectivity for the next 10 years to ensure uninterrupted system functionality.

“We expect KNH to be paperless when the rollout is complete,” he Lenayara said, adding that there are plans to extend the system to Level 5 and Level 6 hospitals across the country.

KNH CEO Richard Lesiyampe being shown how the Afya Apex Digital System works on March 17, 2026./HANDOUT

Lenayara said all devices issued under the programme have been securely tagged and equipped with power banks to support continuous usage in the hospital’s fast-paced environment. He said once fully implemented, the system will enable KNH to operate entirely without paper records, setting a benchmark for other health facilities.

The system, unveiled on March 17, marked a significant milestone for the country’s largest referral hospital, signalling a shift from manual processes to a fully digitised Hospital Management Information System (HMIS).

The initiative is expected to streamline operations, reduce inefficiencies, and ultimately improve patient care outcomes.

Doctors at KNH going through orientation to the Afya Apex Digital Health System on March 17 /HANDOUT

The institution revealed that Afya Apex will be deployed across critical hospital departments including radiology, laboratory services, triage, Accident and Emergency (A&E), pharmacy and patient registration.

By integrating these services into a single digital ecosystem, KNH aims to enhance workflow coordination, minimise administrative delays, and ensure quicker access to patient information.

KNH acting CEO Richard Lesiyampe said the hospital has already received 1,286 digital devices to facilitate the transition.

He said the development of Afya Apex was a collaborative effort between the Digital Health Authority and various partners, underscoring the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing Kenya’s healthcare agenda.

A live demonstration conducted during the launch showcased the system’s capabilities, highlighting its efficiency and user-friendly interface. The solution had previously undergone a successful two-month pilot phase in Machakos, where it proved effective in improving service delivery.

The next phase of the rollout will focus on comprehensive staff training across all departments. Hospital management has tasked departmental heads with preparing their teams for the transition, noting that the success of the system will depend heavily on user adoption and adaptability.

The Afya Apex system is designed to enhance data accuracy, improve accessibility of patient records and support real-time decision-making by healthcare providers. It is also expected to optimise resource allocation and significantly improve the overall patient experience.

While KNH acknowledges that the journey to becoming fully paperless will require time, continuous learning, and collaboration, the hospital remains committed to building a resilient, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare system driven by technology.