Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa has shed light on the company’s pivotal role in supporting Kenya’s Smart Health Access (SHA) system a digital health initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Health to streamline healthcare delivery and enhance patient data management across the country.
Speaking during a press briefing held on May 13, 2025, in Nairobi, Ndegwa emphasized Safaricom’s commitment to leveraging its technological infrastructure to support national development goals, especially in the health sector. He noted that the SHA system, which is designed to digitize patient records and link public hospitals across the country through a centralized data system, aligns with Safaricom’s mission of transforming lives through technology.
“Our role in the SHA system includes providing the secure connectivity backbone needed to facilitate seamless data transmission between healthcare facilities,” Ndegwa said. “We are also offering cloud hosting services and cybersecurity support to ensure patient data is protected and accessible in real-time.”
Ndegwa highlighted that through M-PESA Foundation and Safaricom’s Corporate Social Responsibility arm, the company has been actively involved in the rollout of health digitization tools, especially in rural and underserved areas. By integrating mobile technology and digital health platforms, Safaricom is helping to reduce patient waiting times, improve diagnostic efficiency, and support evidence-based decision-making by healthcare providers.
The SHA system is part of Kenya’s broader Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, and Safaricom’s involvement illustrates how public-private partnerships can fast-track healthcare reforms. Ndegwa reaffirmed the telco’s dedication to continuing its support for digital transformation in healthcare as a driver of national prosperity.
