Murang’a County has launched a major upgrade of internet connectivity in all its 170 public health facilities by shifting from WiFi-based systems to satellite internet in a move aimed at improving healthcare delivery across the County.
Launching the upgrade at Muriranjas Hospital which hosts Telemedicine Hub, Governor Irungu Kang’ata confirmed that the service will be provided by Starlink through its local authorized agent, Paratus.
Kang’ata underscored use of technology facilitated by a stable internet will improve access to healthcare services across the County.
“This upgrade strengthens Murang’a County’s commitment to digital health and ensures every resident, regardless of location, can access quality healthcare,” observed the Governor.
He noted that the transition to satellite internet is expected to cut connectivity costs by 70 percent compared to the previous WiFi set-up, freeing up resources for patient care and medical equipment.
“The new system cuts connectivity costs by 70 percent compared to the previous WiFi setup, freeing up resources for patient care and equipment,” explained the governor.
He revealed that while using WiFi, some facilities were spending up to Sh. 90, 000 per month but with the new upgrade, a hospital will be spending about Sh. 3,500 per month.
Kang’ata further said the satellite internet system would provide reliable coverage in remote and underserved areas where terrestrial internet services have been weak or unavailable.
“Satellite reaches remote and undeserved facilities, where terrestrial WiFi is weak or unavailable, ensuring no health centre is left offline,” He said.
The Governor added that the high-speed and low-latency connectivity would support real-time telemedicine, digital records management and diagnostics without interruptions.
“Doctors can consult specialists instantly, access patient records across facilities and transmit lab results faster, reducing referral delays,” he added.
The County Chief also noted that the system would enhance resilience in healthcare services since satellite systems are less affected by fiber cuts, outages and power issues.
The internet upgrade is expected to complement the County’s ongoing medical facilities solarisation programme, With Kang’ata noting that 140 out of the 170 public medical facilities are expected to be solarized by June 30, 2026, while the remaining 30 facilities are projected to be completed by June 2027.
He, however, said Murang’a Level 5 Hospital is not currently under satellite internet as there is a process, which needs to be done since the facility is located in the urban centre.
The Internet, Kang’ata said, has also helped the County government to digitize delivery of other key services like in collection of revenue.
He further announced that neighboring public institutions, including schools and churches located within a 14-kilometre radius of upgraded medical facilities, may also benefit from the satellite network at a cost to be agreed upon by the County and the service provider.
Interested institutions have been advised to submit application letters to the County Executive Committee Member for Health, Dr. Mbugua, for consideration.
Paratus Group Chief Commercial Officer, Martin Cox, said the satellite internet, will be stable and will help the Murang’a hospitals improve healthcare service delivery.
He noted that the internet is becoming a utility in the modern world and doesn’t need to be expensive since delivery of key services are currently being delivered under facilitation of the internet.
Cox lauded Murang’a government for embracing digital transformation delivery in healthcare noting that satellite internet provides dependable connectivity even in remote and undeserved areas where terrestrial internet infrastructure remains unreliable.
“This project demonstrates how satellite technology can transform healthcare delivery by ensuring medical facilities, remain connected all times,” he added.
by Bernard Munyao
