Zipline Unveils Drone Logistics in Kericho To Transform Healthcare

Zipline, an Autonomous drone logistics firm has partnered with Kericho County to enhance healthcare delivery through drone technology.

The program, launched at Sigowet sub-county hospital, aims to provide over 200 healthcare facilities with faster access to essential medical supplies, including vaccines, blood products, and emergency treatments.

Governor Erick Mutai highlighted the potential of this initiative to significantly reduce delays in accessing life-saving interventions.

Patients with conditions like diabetes or snake bites, prevalent in the region, will now receive real-time delivery of critical medicines. This will also reduce the need for referrals due to the unavailability of essential medical resources.

Zipline, renowned for its successful drone delivery operations in Rwanda and other African nations, brings its expertise to Kericho, making it the second county in Kenya to adopt this approach after Kisumu. Studies in Rwanda have demonstrated the positive impact of drone delivery, including reduced blood expiries and maternal mortality rates.

Kericho County aims to replicate these successes and improve overall health outcomes. Dr. Peter Mugun, Medical Superintendent at Sigowet Sub-County Hospital, emphasized the county’s commitment to providing healthcare workers with the necessary training and resources to ensure the successful integration of Zipline’s technology.

Beyond its immediate impact on healthcare, Zipline’s initiative is expected to create local employment opportunities and drive innovation.

The company’s fully Kenyan workforce contributes to economic growth and positions Kenya as a leader in utilizing advanced technologies for public service.

The potential applications of Zipline’s drones extend beyond healthcare, encompassing agriculture, disaster relief, and other sectors. The Kericho initiative serves as a model for broader technological adoption across Kenya and the African continent, showcasing the potential of technology to address critical challenges and improve lives.