LEO satellites connect Murang’a residents with access to virtual healthcare.

On May 28, 2026, Murang’a County launched Kenya’s largest public digital healthcare initiative as part of the county’s broader healthcare transformation strategy. This project uses Starlink-powered satellite internet to bring internet access to 170 health facilities across Kenya, making it not only the largest connected telemedicine program in the country but also one of the largest telemedicine programs across all of Africa.   

Clinical Officer conducting an online medical consultation at the Telemedicine Hub. Photo from Paratus Africa.

By providing access to telemedicine, digital health reporting and specialist consultations, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity is improving healthcare access for the 1.2 million residents of Murang’a, enabling emergency response coordination, digital health systems and better care between patient visits.

Murang’a County Governor Dr. Irungu Kang’ata said, “This programme is improving access to healthcare by connecting facilities, empowering healthcare workers and ensuring communities can receive quality medical support closer to home. It is a major step forward in strengthening healthcare delivery across Murang’a.”

LEO satellite technology provides new and reliable opportunities for telemedicine to support hundreds of consultations daily, enabling doctors and patients to connect remotely. It allows for more consultations from patients who may have previously been unable to seek treatment, while also expanding services to nearby communities and providing care to those in need, no matter where they live.

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