Murang'a: 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 the Telemedicine Hub, Governor Irungu Kang'ata confirmed that the service will be provided by Starlink through its local authorized agent, Paratus.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kang'ata underscored that the use of technology facilitated by a stable internet will improve access to healthcare services across the County. 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.
Kang'ata 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. He further stated that the satellite internet system would provide reliable coverage in remote and underserved areas where terrestrial internet services have been weak or unavailable.
The Governor added that the high-speed and low-latency connectivity would support real-time telemedicine, digital records management, and diagnostics without interruptions. This would enable doctors to consult specialists instantly, access patient records across facilities, and transmit lab results faster, reducing referral delays.
The County Chief also noted that the system would enhance resilience in healthcare services, as 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. Kang'ata noted 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 mentioned that 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 the delivery of other key services like revenue collection.
Additionally, neighboring public institutions, including schools and churches located within a 14-kilometre radius of upgraded medical facilities, may 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, emphasized that 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 is currently being delivered under the facilitation of the internet.
Cox praised the Murang'a government for embracing digital transformation in healthcare delivery, noting that satellite internet provides dependable connectivity even in remote and underserved areas where terrestrial internet infrastructure remains unreliable. He stated that the project demonstrates how satellite technology can transform healthcare delivery by ensuring medical facilities remain connected at all times.