Lodwar – June 8, 2026 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The Department of Health and Sanitation Services has received biometric registration and authentication devices for 167 Level II health facilities across all 11 sub-counties, marking a key milestone in the transition to Taifa Care and supporting Social Health Authority (SHA) claims processing.
The initiative, supported by the Digital Health Agency (DHA) and Safaricom PLC, aims to reduce the risk of identity theft and impersonation, prevent duplicate or fraudulent enrolments, and ensure that access to services is limited to rightful beneficiaries.
The devices will enhance patient identification, improve service delivery, and strengthen accountability within the healthcare system.
Previously, health facilities relied on One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to verify patients seeking services. With the introduction of the new technology, patient authentication, care management, and follow-up processes will now be faster, more secure, and more efficient.
The Chief Officer for Medical Services, Dr. Gilchrist Lokoel, welcomed the transition, noting that the technology will significantly improve the integrity of healthcare services.
“The technology will help reduce fraud by ensuring healthcare funds are utilized only by genuine beneficiaries, thereby safeguarding the integrity and sustainability of Taifa Care,” he said.
Dr. Lokoel added that the new devices will also reduce paperwork and minimize manual data-entry errors, significantly reducing waiting times for beneficiaries during registration.
“The biometric system uniquely links a patient’s physical identity, such as fingerprints, to their health identification records, eliminating the risk of unauthorized sharing of pre-authorization approval codes and ensuring that services are accessed only by registered beneficiaries,” he added.
Eliud Eyangan, the County ICT Officer at the department, said the rollout of biometric devices is expected to strengthen digital health systems and improve patient experience in the effective implementation of Taifa Care.
The County Government remains committed to delivering accessible, quality, and accountable healthcare services to all residents.
