The Centre for International Health Education and Biosecurity (CIHEB) has donated assorted ICT equipment to health facilities across Machakos County to support digitization of health information systems and strengthen HIV programmes.
The donation comprises 188 desktop computers, 19 laptops and 328 tablets, which will be distributed to various facilities to replace paper-based records and improve efficiency in service delivery.
Speaking to the media at the Governor’s office, CIHEB Programme Director Dr. Peter Kyalo said the initiative aligns with the national government’s agenda of digitizing all government entities. He noted that CIHEB has transitioned its supported programmes from manual systems to electronic platforms and is handing over the equipment to enhance healthcare delivery at county level.
Kyalo added that CIHEB has supported data systems for the Machakos County Department of Health for the past four years, ensuring accurate capture and management of patient records. He said the new equipment will enable healthcare workers to access information faster, improve reporting, and deliver more timely and accurate care.
According to Kyalo, Machakos County has slightly over 30,000 people living with HIV. Over the past four years, more than 400,000 residents have been tested, leading to the identification of 6,900 HIV-positive individuals, with 6,532 already enrolled on treatment. Currently, 16,674 patients in the county are receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART).
“We hope that with this equipment we will further support the digitization agenda and significantly improve the quality of healthcare services in Machakos,” said Kyalo.
He also commended Kenya for being among the first African countries to roll out lenacapavir injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a long-acting injection that prevents HIV acquisition among people at high risk. Machakos is one of the counties piloting the programme and has begun training healthcare providers ahead of the drug’s official launch.
“Machakos is among the counties piloting lenacapavir injectable PrEP and has participated in the national training of trainers. The programme targets all populations at risk of HIV exposure, where individuals will be screened and offered preventive treatment,” Kyalo added.
However, Kyalo noted that CIHEB programmes are facing significant challenges following funding cuts by the United States government. A 70 per cent budget reduction has forced the programme to operate under a limited waiver, supporting only lifesaving activities such as HIV testing and treatment.
Despite the financial constraints, Kyalo expressed optimism that the implementation of a bilateral funding agreement between the United States and Kenyan governments, expected in March 2026, will provide a framework for counties and the national government to continue implementing critical lifesaving interventions.
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti welcomed the donation, describing it as a timely boost to the county’s health system. She said the equipment will be distributed equitably across all health facilities to ensure efficiency and advance the county’s vision of fully digitized services.
“This partnership will improve patient care by reducing waiting times, enabling quicker access to medical records, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and ensuring seamless integration of health data across facilities,” said Governor Ndeti.
by Anne Kangero
