Autonomous drone logistics firm, Zipline has partnered with Kericho County to enhance access to essential medical supplies within the county.
The partnership was inaugurated this week at Sigowet Sub-County Hospital by H.E. Dr. Erick Mutai, the Governor of Kericho County.
This collaboration aims to streamline the delivery of life-saving supplies, including vaccines, blood products, anti-venom, and treatments for rabies, to over 200 healthcare facilities throughout the county. The initiative is expected to significantly improve both emergency and routine healthcare services.
Zipline has been pioneering drone delivery technology since 2016, initially launching its services in Rwanda, where it successfully transported blood products to remote hospitals. ‘
Since then, the company has executed over one million autonomous deliveries, fundamentally transforming healthcare logistics in various African nations.
“Recognizing the healthcare challenges we face, we believe this technology will significantly enhance our medical supply chain,” said Governor Mutai during the launch event.
Patients suffering from conditions such as diabetes or those affected by snake bites in the Soit Sigowet region can expect real-time delivery of critical medications. This innovation will eliminate the inefficiencies in accessing life-saving drugs, especially for pregnant women and emergency cases.
Kericho is now the second county in Kenya, following Kisumu County, to adopt Zipline’s drone delivery model. Through their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the two parties aim to optimize resource allocation, reduce medical waste, and manage inventory more effectively. A study published in The Lancet in 2022 noted that Zipline’s centralized blood supply approach in Rwanda lowered blood expiries by 67% from 2019 to 2021.
The potential health benefits for Kericho County are substantial. Research from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania indicated that Zipline’s operations in Rwanda led to a 51% reduction in maternal mortality due to postpartum hemorrhage. Kericho County officials hope to replicate or even surpass these outcomes.
Luke Barasa, Zipline Kenya’s Country Operations Manager, emphasized the reliability of the drone service, stating, “Our drones can operate in any weather conditions and at all hours. This capability allows us to respond swiftly to medical emergencies, ensuring essential supplies reach those in need, regardless of external circumstances.”
In preparation for the integration of this new technology, Kericho County is also addressing workforce challenges by confirming contract staff and enhancing support for healthcare workers.
Dr. Peter Mugun, Medical Superintendent at Sigowet Sub-County Hospital, reiterated the county’s commitment to providing healthcare teams with the necessary training and resources to ensure a smooth transition.
The partnership with Zipline is expected to foster local employment and innovation in Kericho, with the company hiring 100% Kenyan staff and focusing on training local talent for the operation and maintenance of drone technology. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to leverage advanced technological solutions for public service delivery in Kenya.
