AfyaKE, a Ministry of Health‑developed platform launched in 2023, digitises patient records, lab results, prescriptions and billing, replacing paper files across Level 2 and Level 3 facilities.

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata said the shutdown has left hospitals unable to retrieve records collected since 2023 and to submit reimbursement claims to the Social Health Authority (SHA).

The governor, accompanied by Deputy Governor Stephen Munania and health officials, criticised the decision, noting that the county had expected AfyaKE to be linked to the national digital health platform as promised by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.

Since its adoption, AfyaKE enabled electronic capture of patient details, illnesses, medicines, laboratory tests and invoices, and supported video‑based telemedicine consultations for remote dispensaries.

The county reports that annual health revenue rose from Sh80 million to Sh800 million after AfyaKE’s implementation, funding expansions at Murang’a Level 5 Hospital, Nyakianga Dispensary, Kirwara Hospital and upcoming projects at Kandara Hospital.

Kang’ata questioned why the platform was switched off rather than integrated, pointing out that AfyaKE is free for public facilities while the replacement system under the Digital Health Authority (DHA) carries a usage fee.

The county also noted that the Digital Health Authority, Ministry of Health and SHA have not certified AfyaKE for health‑information exchange, whereas privately owned management systems have received approval and national connectivity.

Officials warned that the transition to the new SHA/DHA platform could incur additional costs for counties and other public institutions, including the Department of Defence and hospitals in neighboring Tharaka Nithi County.

In the short term, Murang’a plans to scale back telemedicine services while health workers receive training on the new system, acknowledging that the shift may disrupt patient care, hospital operations and revenue streams linked to SHA claims.