In a bold move to modernize the country’s healthcare system, the government has called for public participation and stakeholder engagement on the newly introduced Digital Health Act.
The Act, signed into law in October 2023, lays the foundation for a radical transformation of Kenya’s health information systems, medical technology use, and data management.
The Ministry of Health has now opened the door for citizens, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to voice their opinions on the draft regulations that will guide the implementation of the Act.
The government has developed three key sets of regulations aimed at improving health information management, digital health applications, and data exchange within the Kenyan healthcare system.
The regulations cover a range of issues, from setting standards for the management of electronic health records to creating protocols for the exchange of health data across platforms.
Additionally, they establish rules for the integration of emerging medical technologies, such as e-health applications and medical devices, into the public health infrastructure.
The public consultations are being held in line with Kenya’s constitutional requirement for public participation in policy-making.
A series of regional public hearings will take place across the country, where citizens can provide feedback, make recommendations, and raise concerns about the regulations and their potential impact.
System overhaul
The enactment of the Digital Health Act marks a significant shift in how Kenya approaches healthcare delivery.
The Act will integrate digital health tools across the country, from the management of patient information to the accessibility of medical services.
The government is aiming to reduce inefficiencies, curb corruption, and improve overall healthcare quality by leveraging technology.
The key regulations being presented for public review include:
The Digital Health (Health Information Management) Regulations, 2024 – These regulations will govern the storage, management, and use of electronic health records across the country’s healthcare institutions.
The Digital Health (Data Exchange) Regulations, 2024 – Aimed at improving the flow of health data between different health systems and ensuring its security and privacy.
The Digital Health (Use of e-Health Applications and Technologies) Regulations, 2024 – These regulations set out the framework for the adoption of new technologies in healthcare, including telemedicine and mobile health applications.
In addition to the regulations, a Regulatory Impact Statement has been prepared to assess the anticipated effects of the new policies, particularly on the population and healthcare providers.
The government is encouraging public feedback on how these regulations could be refined to maximize their impact.
Nationwide public hearings
The Ministry of Health, in consultation with various stakeholders including county governments, the Digital Health Agency, and the Kenya Law Reform Commission, has organized a series of public hearings in different regions of the country.
The hearings will be held in two sessions per day – one in the morning and another in the afternoon – to accommodate as many people as possible.
The public hearings are scheduled to start in early December 2024, and members of the public are invited to attend in person or submit their views in writing via email or through official submission forms.
The hearings will take place in the following regions:
Upper Eastern Region: (Embu, Marsabit, Isiolo, Meru, Tharaka Nithi): December 5, 2024, at Catholic Diocese of Isiolo Hall. Sessions: 9:00 am –12:00 pm, 2:00 pm–5:00 pm.
Nyanza Region: (Homa Bay, Siaya, Kisumu, Kisii, Migori, Nyamira): December 7, 2024, at Mama Grace Onyango Cultural and Social Centre, Kisumu. Sessions: 9:00 am–12:00 pm, 2:00 pm–5:00 pm.
Central Region (Kiambu, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a): December 9, 2024, at Nyeri Cultural Centre Hall. Sessions: 9:00 am–12:00 pm, 2:00 pm–5:00 pm.
Western Region (Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia): December 11, 2024, at Magharibi Hall, Kakamega. Sessions: 9:00 am–12:00 pm, 2:00 pm–5:00 pm.
South Rift Valley Region (Nakuru, Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Baringo, Samburu): December 13, 2024, at Regional Commissioners Hall, Nakuru. Sessions: 9:00 am–12:00 pm, 2:00 pm–5:00 pm.
North Rift Valley Region (Turkana, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet): December 13, 2024, at Eldoret County Hall, Eldoret. Sessions: 9:00 am–12:00 pm, 2:00 pm–5:00 pm.
Coast Region (Mombasa, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River): December 17, 2024, at Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) Hall, Mombasa. Sessions: 9:00 am–12:00 pm, 2:00 pm–5:00 pm.
North Eastern Region (Garissa, Wajir, Mandera): December 17, 2024, at ICT Hall, Wajir. Sessions: 9:00 am–12:00 pm, 2:00 pm–5:00 pm.
Nairobi Region (Nairobi, Kajiado, Kiambu): December 19, 2024, at KIM Hall, Nairobi. Sessions: 9:00 am–12:00 pm, 2:00 pm–5:00 pm.
Lower Eastern Region (Machakos, Kitui, Makueni): December 19, 2024, at Kitui Multi-Purpose Hall, Kitui. Sessions: 9:00 am–12:00 pm, 2:00 PM–5:00 pm.
Transparent process
The government has emphasized that the process is designed to be inclusive and transparent, ensuring that every voice is heard before the final regulations are adopted.
The input gathered will help shape the final guidelines and ensure that the digital health system meets the needs of all Kenyans, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
“This is an opportunity for Kenyans to be part of the process and ensure that the healthcare system works for everyone. We’re making history with this transformation, and public feedback is crucial for its success,” Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa said. l moment in Kenya’s healthcare evolution – one that could redefine how the country delivers and manages health services for its citizens in the digital age.