Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has begun a full transition from manual to fully digital systems in a move it says will modernize operations and improve service delivery at the country’s largest referral facility.
In a notice dated May 3, the hospital stated that the rollout of the new system, known as Afya Apex, is part of a long-term plan to replace decades-old paper-based processes that are no longer suitable for a modern healthcare environment.
KNH said the digitization covers all hospital operations, including clinical care, administration, billing, and patient management, and is expected to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability once fully implemented.
End of an Era at KNH
For more than 125 years, Kenyatta National Hospital has relied largely on manual records to manage patient care and hospital operations.
Also Read: Risks Kenyan Motorists Now Face After Govt Waives Sulfur Fuel Standards
According to the hospital, these systems have increasingly become a barrier to effective service delivery as patient numbers grow and healthcare becomes more complex.
“The new system, known as Afya Apex, has been fully configured and customized by our own staff, including nurses, consultants, and other specialists, in line with clinical and operational processes, ensuring strong ownership and alignment with service delivery needs,” read part of the statement by KNH.
The hospital added that the configuration of the system by KNH staff was also intended to reflect real clinical and operational workflows.
KNH management said this approach was meant to ensure staff ownership of the system and avoid past mistakes linked to off-the-shelf solutions that did not match actual hospital needs.
Since 2012, KNH has attempted to deploy three different digital systems, all of which failed to fully take root.
The hospital said the current rollout builds on lessons learned from those attempts and represents a decisive shift towards full automation and integration of services.
Rollout Challenges and Assurances to the Public
The rollout of Afya Apex began on April 15 and is expected to be completed within 90 days. During the initial phase, the hospital experienced some operational challenges, particularly in discharge processes, which led to delays in patient clearance and billing.
KNH acknowledged these difficulties and apologized for the inconvenience caused to patients and their families.
Also Read: Residents Protest Traumatizing Noise of Mortuary Stretchers at Kakamega Hospital
However, hospital management insisted that the challenges were minor, had been addressed, and did not amount to a system failure.
“The system has not collapsed,” the hospital said, adding that Afya Apex remains operational and continues to stabilize as deployment progresses across departments.
Despite the disruptions, the hospital said patient care and safety remained the top priority throughout the transition period.
Critical services continued to be offered, and measures were implemented to ensure that no patient was denied care due to system changes.
Upon full implementation, KNH said the digital system will enable faster service delivery, clearer patient records, improved billing processes, and better coordination among departments.
The hospital expects the new system to bring its operations in line with other digitized hospitals across Africa.
Hospital management also called on patients, staff, and other stakeholders to support the transition, saying cooperation is essential for its success.
At the same time, the hospital warned that any resistance to the digitization process, whether from within or outside the institution, would be dealt with firmly.
KNH described digitization as both unavoidable and necessary, saying it is the only way the hospital can meet the demands of modern healthcare while maintaining its role as the country’s leading referral and teaching hospital.
