Kenya Rolls Out 80 AI-Powered Digital X-Ray Units to Boost TB and Lung Disease Diagnosis

Kenya has taken a major leap in its war against Tuberculosis (TB) and lung diseases with the rollout of 80 ultra-portable, AI-powered digital chest X-ray units — a ground-breaking investment aimed at strengthening early diagnosis and advancing universal health coverage.

The event, hosted by the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) at its National Supply Chain Centre in Nairobi, was presided over by Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale. The equipment was procured through the Global Fund and warehoused by KEMSA.

The occasion brought together representatives from MOH, Global Fund, National Treasury, AMREF, CHAI, WHO, COG, Centre for Health Solutions and the Parliamentary Health Committee, among other key health partners.

“Today, we are not just launching technology, we are making a declaration of intent to build a proactive, equitable, and future-ready health system,” said CS Duale. “Innovation without access is injustice. Technology must touch the grassroots or it’s just decoration.”

The AI-enabled X-ray machines will be distributed across 43 counties, including remote and underserved regions, to accelerate early TB detection and improve outcomes for patients with lung diseases such as pneumonia, COPD, and silicosis.

Kenya has already recorded major strides in TB control, achieving a 41% reduction in TB incidence and a 65% drop in TB mortality, surpassing WHO’s 2020 End TB milestones.

“TB remains one of Kenya’s deadliest public health threats,” said Duale. “These AI-powered diagnostics will bring lifesaving services closer to the people.”

KEMSA CEO Dr. Waqo Ejersa said the Authority was proud to host the event and reaffirmed that KEMSA continues to strengthen its procurement systems to ensure competitive pricing that guarantees quality, transparency, and affordability for all Kenyans.

“KEMSA is committed to ensuring that no health facility and no Kenyan goes without essential diagnostics or medicines,” said Dr. Ejersa, underscoring the Authority’s commitment to reforms and performance improvement.

Duale called on county governments to prioritise TB and lung health funding, saying health security begins at the community level.

“Service delivery lives in the counties. Health security is built in strong communities with well-functioning primary health facilities,” he emphasised.

The CS also noted that KEMSA’s performance now stands at 67%, with a target of 90% efficiency by November 2025, underscoring integrity and accountability as the cornerstone of Kenya’s health supply chain.

“Every lung matters, every life counts, and no one will be left behind,” Duale said as he officially launched the Integrated Lung Health Guidelines and flagged off the AI-powered diagnostic equipment.