By Bellah Ikida
Photos by Calvin Randy
Today marked a significant milestone in Kisumu County’s healthcare journey with activation of Social Health Authority (SHA) also dubbed as the “Taifa Care” and the acceleration of the Kisumu County Health Digitization programme and which is a digital healthcare system rolled out across various health facilities in Kisumu
The launch was presided over by the Governor of Kisumu, Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o and the Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale.
The day was packed with impactful activities designed to showcase and launch tangible progress in Kisumu’s healthcare system.
A major highlight was the rollout of a state-of-the-art Digital X-Ray,128-slice CT Scan and Mammography Centre at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, a breakthrough for diagnostic services. This was in tandem with the official launch of the Patient Caspare system.
The team also took time to visit the Railways Health and Wellness Centre, directly engaging with healthcare workers in the facility to reinforce the Ministry’s determined commitment to pioneer the health service delivery.
The momentum peaked in a vibrant public address at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex, where various dignitaries passionately expressed their commitment to universal health coverage.
The day ended with the official launch by CS Hon. Aden Duale of ‘Taifa Care’, a groundbreaking initiative vital for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Taifa Care is expected to revolutionize healthcare delivery in Kisumu, reinforcing ongoing efforts to innovate and reform the health sector.
Kisumu has already been at the forefront of digital health innovation. The county introduced community based care models and expanded the Kenya Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system to 28 health facilities.
In October 2024, Kisumu launched its Digital Health Transformation Roadmap, outlining a strategic path to enhance healthcare through digital solutions.
The county now has 295 accredited healthcare providers, 135 of which are public and under the Social Health Authority (SHA), enabling seamless access to care.
“In Kisumu, we see this not just as an event, but as a major leap forward in our ongoing journey of innovation, strategic partnerships, and bold health reforms”, said Governor Nyong’o.
Dr. Duale echoed the governor’s sentiments, noting that digital systems like SHA and SHIF are reshaping health financing to be more inclusive, equitable, and responsive.
“With 24.6 million Kenyans registered so far and over 600,000 in Kisumu alone, accounting for 52% of the county’s population” ,he said.
The rollout of Taifa Care is expected to speed up digital transformation, lower healthcare costs, and improve patient outcomes.
Kisumu’s partnership with Zipline the world’s largest autonomous drone delivery network has already demonstrated how technology can improve medical logistics.
“Zipline has transformed our supply chain by enabling rapid delivery of blood, vaccines, and essential drugs to even the most remote health facilities”, said the governor and continued, “This has significantly cut down delivery times, reduced stock-outs, and boosted our emergency response”.
The Governor expressed his appreciation to the National Government for partnering with the County on this transformative initiative in the healthcare system.
Kisumu County remains committed to building a people-centered health system one where care is accessible, affordable, and of high quality. With Taifa Care, the future of healthcare in Kisumu is looking brighter than ever
Also present in the event was The Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo, Joshua Oron MP Kisumu Central, CECM Health Dr. Gregory Ganda, the Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi and DHA CEO Eng. Anthony Lenaiyara, MCA Kisumu/Milimani Ward Seth Kanga, Chief Officer of Health Dr. Ojwang Lusi, the JOOTRH CEO Dr. Lesiyampe.
