How AI is transforming Kenya’s medical imaging

Kenya's adoption of AI solutions positions the country as a hub for innovative health tech advancements in Africa.

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Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in medical imaging is spurring the growth of Kenya's healthcare sector by addressing critical gaps in diagnostics, improving access to quality care, and fostering the development of advanced technological solutions.

Medical imaging includes various technologies, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, which visualise the human body to diagnose, monitor, or treat medical conditions. AI algorithms analyse these images with remarkable precision, helping healthcare providers detect conditions such as cancer, fractures, and cardiovascular disease at an earlier stage.

In Kenya, where approximately 200 radiologists serve a population of more than 55 million people, AI-powered tools are effectively bridging the diagnostic gap by enhancing existing healthcare capacity.

"AI is helping us bridge the gap in diagnostic services, especially in areas with limited specialists. This technology is a game-changer for rural healthcare," said Peter Njoroge, a radiologist in Nairobi.

Dr Njoroge noted that AI-powered tools provide faster and more accurate results than manual review by radiologists.

The growing demand for AI in medical imaging is driving innovation and investment in Kenya's health tech ecosystem. Startups such as Afya Rekod are using AI to analyse medical records, including diagnostic images to improve patient care.

Neural Labs has developed NeuralSight, an AI platform that can diagnose more than 20 diseases, including pneumonia and tuberculosis.

"By focusing on underserved communities, we envision AI bridging gaps in healthcare through better diagnostics, faster interventions, and personalised care. Similarly, in narrow intelligence domains such as healthcare, AI is poised to grow exponentially and solve complex challenges with precision," said Tom Kinyanjui, CEO of NeuralLabs Africa.

Other innovators include TIBU Health, which uses AI-powered diagnostic tools to address the shortage of healthcare workers, and iZola, which uses AI to detect early signs of autism in children and provide personalised therapies.

"The main focus of iZola is to help people with autism and other special needs by identifying early signs of autism in children and recommending specialised therapies to help them achieve greater independence," said Dr Wamuyu Owatoki, co-founder of iZola.

Organisations such as Zuri Health are providing mobile platforms for personalised healthcare, while Ilara Health is focusing on affordability by offering AI-powered diagnostic devices such as the Butterfly iQ. These initiatives are attracting both local and international investment, further strengthening Kenya's health tech ecosystem.

Jane Mwangi, a health policy expert noted that medical imaging technologies plays a critical role in telemedicine and remote care. By integrating imaging with telemedicine platforms, she says that doctors can share results with specialists around the world for expert opinion, improving the management of complex cases in areas where specialists are scarce.

“AI-powered systems can reduce diagnostic errors by identifying subtle abnormalities that may be missed by the human eye, improving patient safety and outcomes. In addition, these technologies help reduce healthcare costs by automating diagnostics and reducing the need for repeat scans. Affordable and accessible diagnostics are critical to addressing health inequalities in Kenya, and AI-based imaging is paving the way," said Ms Mwangi.

Government initiatives such as the Digital Health Strategy (2020 to 2030) are also accelerating the adoption of AI in healthcare, while partnerships with international companies such as GE Healthcare and increased awareness among professionals of AI's potential to improve diagnostic accuracy are contributing to this growth.

"Although infrastructure gaps, such as limited access to diagnostic equipment and reliable internet in rural areas, can hinder the adoption of AI, the momentum is strong. The cost of implementing AI tools is a challenge for smaller healthcare facilities, but with financial support and appropriate privacy safeguards, these barriers can be overcome," said Simon Mbavu, healthcare analyst.

Kenya's adoption of AI solutions positions the country as a hub for innovative health tech advancements in Africa.

According to Insights10, Kenya's AI healthcare market is expected to grow from $4.83 million (Sh 621.09million) in 2022 to $101.48 million (Sh13.13billion) by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 46.32 percent, reflecting the country's commitment to advancing healthcare through AI.

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