By KPC Reporter
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has transitioned from manual to fully digital operations, marking a major shift in how patients access services at the country’s premier referral facility.
In a press statement released on Sunday, Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the hospital said it is implementing a new system known as Afya Apex, ending decades of reliance on paper-based processes.
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The move comes after more than 125 years of operation, during which patient records and hospital workflows have largely remained manual.
“This is no longer compatible with a modern healthcare system,” the hospital said, noting that the new platform has been “fully configured and customised by our own staff, including nurses, consultants, and other specialists.”
The transition, which began on April 15, is expected to be completed within 90 days.
Hospital management acknowledged that the rollout has not been without challenges, particularly in discharge processes, but insisted the situation is stabilizing.
“While minor teething challenges were experienced… these have now been resolved. The system has not collapsed; it remains operational and is stabilising as deployment continues,” Dr Lesiyampe said.
The digitisation push follows previous failed attempts to modernize hospital systems.
Since 2012, KNH has deployed three different systems without success.
However, management says the current rollout builds on past lessons and represents a decisive break from earlier efforts.
“This one will not fail,” the hospital stated firmly, signaling confidence in the new system’s ability to deliver full automation and integration across departments.
Patients have, in recent weeks, reported delays in services, including billing and clearance.
KNH acknowledged the inconvenience and issued an apology, while maintaining that patient safety remained a top priority throughout the transition.
“The Hospital regrets any inconvenience caused by earlier delays in services… and assures the public that patient care and safety remained the top priority throughout,” the statement added.
Once fully implemented, the hospital says the digital system will significantly improve efficiency, transparency, and service quality, bringing KNH in line with other modern hospitals across Africa.
Management is now calling on patients, staff, and stakeholders to support the transition, warning against resistance.
“We call on all patients and stakeholders to support this transition to ensure its successful completion. Any resistance… will be dealt with firmly,” the statement said.
