By Ivyn Kipruto and Eunice Mwathi
Kenya has rolled out 80 ultra-portable digital X-ray machines powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance early detection and management of tuberculosis (TB) and other lung diseases, marking a major step in the country’s digital health transformation.
The launch, presided over by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) grounds in Embakasi, Nairobi, also featured the unveiling of the Kenya Integrated Lung Health Guidelines. The initiatives, supported by the Global Fund, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), aim to improve access to quality lung health services across all 47 counties.
“This is not just an event; it is a declaration of intent and commitment to build a proactive, people-centered, and future-ready health system,” Duale said during the flag-off ceremony. “Today, policy meets progress, and innovation meets impact.”
Duale described the rollout as a transformative step in the fight against tuberculosis, which remains one of Kenya’s most serious public health concerns.
In 2024, the country recorded 96,865 drug-sensitive TB cases, representing 77 percent of the national burden, alongside 750 drug-resistant cases.
“Asthma and other related lung diseases are silently devastating lives among our community members,” Duale said. “They rob us not only of health but also of the dignity, productivity, and hope of our citizens.”
The newly launched Integrated Lung Health Guidelines provide a single framework for managing TB, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory conditions.
The guidelines are designed to standardize clinical care protocols, strengthen data collection, and empower healthcare workers with the tools needed for timely and effective treatment.
According to Dr. Nyanze, the World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Kenya, the new guidelines align with WHO’s End TB Strategy, which promotes integrated, patient-centered care supported by bold policies and innovation.
“Kenya is among the top 30 countries with high TB and TB-HIV burdens globally,” Dr. Nyanze said. “Yet, the country has recorded a 41 percent reduction in TB incidence and a 66 percent drop in TB deaths since 2015. These new technologies will help accelerate progress.”
The 80 AI-enabled X-ray systems are equipped with Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) software that automatically analyzes chest images and flags potential signs of TB or other lung abnormalities.
The machines are lightweight, battery-powered, and portable, making them suitable for use in remote areas and resource-limited settings. Each of Kenya’s 47 counties will receive at least one machine, with community health promoters and facility staff set to receive training on their use.
“Technology must touch the grassroots, or it’s just decoration,” Duale emphasized. “Our focus is on practical innovation that improves everyday access to healthcare.”
WHO officials noted that the AI systems will be prioritized for high-risk populations, including urban informal settlements, correctional facilities, mining areas, and high HIV-burden counties.
Phillip Nyakwana, a community representative, underscored the importance of community preparation and awareness to ensure smooth uptake of the new technology.
“The success of this innovation depends on how well communities understand and trust it,” he said. “They are the end users and beneficiaries.”
Health experts and partners praised the initiative as a game-changer in respiratory disease management and a critical step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
By integrating AI into diagnostics and aligning it with standardized clinical guidelines, Kenya is positioning itself as a leader in digital health solutions on the continent.
“Every lung matters, every life counts, and no one will be left behind,” Duale said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to a data-driven and community-centered health system.
