LAMU, Kenya, Sept 28 – The Daktari Smart telemedicine programme by Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation and the M-PESA Foundation will expand to 10 counties and target more than 50,000 children by August 2027.

The second phase will also train 800 healthcare workers and 1,150 community health promoters to improve access to specialised paediatric care in underserved areas.

The programme has reached more than 27,000 children across Samburu, Homa Bay, Baringo, Narok and Lamu counties since its launch in 2021.

The expansion was announced during a programme review held in Lamu from September 23 to 24, where partners assessed the use and integration of telemedicine into county health systems.

Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation Head of Impact Programmes Carol Waweru said the second phase would focus on strengthening health systems alongside the technology.

“The value of Daktari Smart goes beyond technology and into putting specialist knowledge within reach of children and families who may otherwise face long journeys, delays and additional costs to access care,” Waweru said.

The programme has recorded more than 8,000 telemedicine sessions in 2026. Some children identified through the service have gone on to receive specialised treatment, including surgery for cleft lip and palate and heart conditions.

The second phase currently operates at six sites, with five more under construction. Services are expected to begin in October in Turkana, Kwale, Vihiga, Laikipia and Makueni counties.

The programme has also trained 205 nurses across Kenya, including two nurses in Lamu who have received specialised paediatric nurse training.

Daktari Smart connects health workers in participating facilities with specialists at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital through real-time consultations. The facilities use equipment including electronic stethoscopes, vital-sign monitors, high-resolution cameras, ultrasound machines, otoscopes and ECG devices.

The programme will also focus on strengthening referral systems and training healthcare workers and community health promoters to identify and refer children requiring specialised care.