The semi-annual review, covering the period September 2025 to February 2026 held in Kabarnet, brought together key stakeholders to assess achievements, identify operational gaps and agree on strategic measures to strengthen the programmes impact, implementation and sustainability.

The review was conducted with support from the two partners in the implementation of Daktari Smart, which seeks to expand access to quality medical consultations through telemedicine, with stakeholders unanimously reaffirming the need to integrate the digital health services provided by the platform into the countys routine health system.

Programmes sustainability roadmap, emerged as a key focus of the meeting, with stakeholders targeting August 2028 for a stronger, more institutionalised model that is integrated within the county health system.

The roadmap will prioritise embedding telemedicine in the Countys annual work plans and incorporating consultations into the daily facility roster, ensuring the service becomes part of routine healthcare delivery rather than operating as a standalone intervention.

Stakeholders also identified community ownership and demand institutionalisation as critical to sustaining the service, alongside investment in dedicated infrastructure, equipment and technology.

Strengthening human resource capacity will equally remain a priority, with healthcare workers requiring the skills and support necessary to effectively deliver telemedicine services.

The review further proposed the establishment of a Daktari Smart Sustainability Committee to coordinate sustainability efforts, track progress and strengthen collaboration among implementing partners and the County Government.

It was noted that efforts to have telemedicine recognised as a reimbursable service under the Social Health Authority (SHA) are at advanced stages, which when finalised, would provide an important pathway towards financing and long-term sustainability of digital consultations.

The Daktari Smart programme demonstrates the growing role of technology and partnerships in improving access to healthcare, particularly by connecting patients in local health facilities with specialised medical expertise.

The stakeholders committed to strengthening the partnership between Baringo County, Safaricom Foundation and Gertrudes Childrens Hospital to ensure the gains made through Daktari Smart are sustained and scaled for greater impact across the county.