Kenya has taken a major leap in its fight against tuberculosis (TB) and other lung diseases with the rollout of 80 ultra-portable, AI-powered digital chest X-ray units, a landmark investment that underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing healthcare and protecting the lives of its citizens. The initiative, launched by Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) grounds in Embakasi, Nairobi, marks a transformative step in advancing early disease detection and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The rollout also coincided with the launch of Kenya’s Integrated Lung Health Guidelines, developed in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health partners.
Supported by the Global Fund, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the project represents a new chapter in Kenya’s digital health transformation where innovation meets access and technology serves as a tool for equity. “Today, we are not just launching technology; we are making a declaration of intent to build a proactive, equitable, and future-ready health system,” said CS Duale. “Technology must touch the grassroots, or it’s just decoration. Every lung matters, every life counts, and no one will be left behind.”
The 80 AI-enabled X-ray systems are equipped with Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) software that automatically analyzes chest images and flags possible signs of TB or other lung abnormalities. These portable, battery-powered units can operate in remote and resource-limited settings, making them ideal for underserved regions. Each of Kenya’s 47 counties will receive at least one unit, with priority given to hard-to-reach and high-risk populations, including informal urban settlements, mining areas, correctional facilities, and counties with high HIV prevalence. The deployment aims to bring lifesaving diagnostic services closer to communities, especially where access to specialized medical imaging has been limited.
According to WHO, Kenya remains among the top 30 high TB and TB-HIV burden countries globally. In 2024, the country recorded 96,865 drug-sensitive TB cases, representing 77 percent of the national burden, alongside 750 drug-resistant cases. Despite these challenges, Kenya has achieved a 41 percent reduction in TB incidence and a 65 percent drop in TB mortality since 2015, surpassing WHO’s 2020 End TB milestones.
CS Duale highlighted that the rollout of the AI-powered systems is part of a broader government agenda to strengthen primary healthcare, integrate digital innovation, and improve accountability across the health supply chain. KEMSA, the national agency responsible for medical logistics, has undergone significant reforms to enhance efficiency and service delivery. “We have improved our order fill rate from 32 percent to 67 percent and reduced county delivery turnaround time from 33 days to 12,” Duale said. “Our goal is to achieve 90 percent efficiency by November 2025. Health security begins at the community level, and service delivery lives in the counties.”
KEMSA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Waqo Ejersa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to reforms and transparency, noting that KEMSA continues to enhance procurement systems to guarantee competitive pricing and quality for all Kenyans. “No health facility and no Kenyan should go without essential diagnostics or medicines,” he said.
The newly launched Integrated Lung Health Guidelines, developed under WHO’s guidance, provide a unified framework for managing TB, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory illnesses. The guidelines standardize clinical care, improve safety protocols, and promote timely diagnosis and treatment initiation. According to WHO representative Dr. Emmanuel Nyanze, the guidelines align with the global End TB Strategy, which emphasizes patient-centered care supported by innovation. “Kenya is showing leadership in embedding digital technologies into clinical systems to improve diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment outcomes,” Dr. Nyanze noted.
Health experts from AMREF, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and the Council of Governors (CoG) commended the government’s proactive use of artificial intelligence to strengthen healthcare equity. “We can ensure that every county benefits from this innovation and that no Kenyan is left behind,” said Khatra Ali, CoG’s Director of Health.
The rollout of the AI-powered diagnostic systems is part of the government’s larger UHC agenda, which seeks to ensure that all Kenyans have access to quality healthcare without financial hardship. It complements other ongoing initiatives, including investments in local manufacturing of medical supplies, upgrading of county referral hospitals, and expansion of community health promoter programs. Duale reiterated that the success of Kenya’s healthcare transformation relies on strong partnerships among the national government, county administrations, and international donors. He urged governors to prioritize TB and lung health investments in their budgets, emphasizing that true health security begins in primary health facilities and is felt in homes and communities.
Community representatives also stressed the importance of awareness and engagement to build public trust in new technologies. “The success of this innovation depends on how well communities understand and embrace it,” said community health advocate Phillip Nyakwana. “When people see technology improving real outcomes, they become active participants in their own health.”
Kenya’s continued investments in digital health infrastructure reflect a forward-looking vision of a modern, efficient, and inclusive healthcare system. By integrating AI tools into public health diagnostics, the country is positioning itself as a continental leader in healthcare innovation and resilience. The Health Ministry projects that the AI-powered X-ray rollout will significantly reduce missed TB cases, improve response time for diagnosis, and strengthen surveillance for other respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and silicosis. These advances will not only save lives but also help preserve productivity and economic stability by reducing the burden of illness on families and communities.
