Underserved Counties to Benefit from Smart Specialised Paediatric Care
By Jacquelyne Arusei – Nairobi
M-PESA Foundation, in partnership with Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation, is expanding its Daktari Smart telemedicine programme to bring specialised paediatric healthcare closer to children in underserved counties, including Baringo
The programme will also train 800 healthcare workers and 1,150 community health promoters as it enters its second phase.
Since its launch four years ago, Daktari Smart has reached more than 27,000 children across Samburu, Homa Bay, Baringo, Narok and Lamu counties.
The second phase is guided by the theme “Daktari Smart: Beyond Technology,” focusing on the people, systems and partnerships needed to make telemedicine sustainable.
The theme was discussed during a programme review held in Lamu from 23–24 September 2026, where partners and county health stakeholders assessed implementation, utilisation and integration of the programme into the local health system.
Dr Carol Waweru, Head of Impact Programmes at Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation, said the programme aims to bring specialist knowledge closer to children and families who face long journeys and additional costs when seeking specialised care.
“As we move into the next phase, our focus is on strengthening the systems around telemedicine so that this access can be sustained,” said Dr Waweru.
