Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa has clarified that the company’s involvement in the Social Health Authority (SHA) system is limited to digitising the healthcare process, not running or managing the program.

He said the company’s role is focused on creating a smooth digital registration and service experience for Kenyans seeking healthcare under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiative.

Speaking on Citizen TV's Power Talk show, Ndegwa said the aim is to ensure that hospitals and healthcare workers have the tools they need, such as tablets and strong 4G internet connectivity, to deliver efficient services.

"The whole thing about UHC is a very expansive program. Our role is the digitisation element. For instance, we're responsible for ensuring that when you register for SHA, you get the right experience and that the digitisation process is successful," he said.

He explained that Safaricom's work includes providing tablets for doctors and nurses and improving network coverage in remote areas.

"For doctors, nurses will need tablets and we provide that. Many of the hospitals need 4G coverage, especially in remote areas. We're involved in the whole digitization and it's a 10-year program," he said.

Ndegwa also said that Safaricom has not received any payment for its work so far and will only be paid after completing the project to the government's satisfaction.

"It's about completing our scope, and then taking it to the government to assess if we did a good job and then we get paid. Up to now, we have not been paid a cent up to now and we have been working for a year," he said.

He expressed confidence that a fully digitised healthcare system will greatly benefit patients and hospitals.

"My personal view is that when the process is fully digitised, patients are fully empowered, hospitals are fully enabled to use digital, and it will be a fantastic system," explained Ndegwa.

Ndegwa also pointed out that Safaricom has previously worked on digitisation projects in both the private and public sectors and believes the healthcare system will become more efficient as the SHA program progresses.

"When the processes are fully digitized, when the hospitals are fully enabled, when the patients are fully empowered, it will be a fantastic system."