By Sharon Onyango
Siaya County has taken a bold and transformative step in the fight against HIV by partnering with Kasha Technologies to deliver antiretroviral therapy (ART) directly to people living with HIV (PLHIV) at locations of their choice. The initiative marks a significant shift toward more accessible, dignified, and patient-centered HIV care.
The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by County Executive Committee Member for Health, Dr Martin Konyango, and Kasha Technologies’ Kenya Managing Director, Mercy Yego. It reflects the county’s commitment to leveraging innovation to improve treatment access, adherence, and long-term health outcomes.
Although officially launched on June 1, 2025, the program has already demonstrated impressive impact, reaching over 9,000 PLHIV across the county. With an estimated 86,000 individuals currently enrolled in HIV care in Siaya, the initiative is expected to significantly strengthen treatment continuity and reduce new infections.
At the core of the program is a technology enabled, peer led last mile delivery system that ensures patients receive their medication discreetly and conveniently whether at home or another preferred location. This approach directly addresses longstanding barriers such as long travel distances to health facilities, financial challenges, and the stigma that continues to surround HIV.
Dr Konyango emphasized the importance of rethinking healthcare delivery models to better serve patients. He noted that stigma and past negative experiences often discourage consistent treatment, but discreet, technology driven ART delivery restores dignity and encourages adherence.
Mercy Yego praised Siaya County’s forward thinking approach, highlighting how digital platforms can streamline medication distribution while maintaining transparency and accountability. She noted that the system benefits both healthcare providers and patients by simplifying logistics and ensuring timely access to essential medication.
Beyond ART delivery, the platform is expanding to include additional health services such as early screening pathways, including HPV testing, further strengthening preventive care efforts in the county.
Key health officials present at the signing included County AIDS and STIs Coordinator Dr Bob Awino, County PMTCT Coordinator Zilper Imbuye, and County Health Policy Coordinator Oscar Kambona.
The partnership is expected to deliver wide ranging benefits, including improved patient convenience and dignity, reduced congestion in health facilities, and eased workloads for healthcare workers. Additionally, it strengthens data driven decision making and promotes integrated service delivery, such as coordinated medication distribution and sample transportation.
As the program continues to scale, Siaya County is emerging as a national leader in differentiated service delivery (DSD) for HIV care. The model is already attracting interest from other counties, including Kajiado County, signaling strong potential for nationwide adoption.
Ultimately, this initiative represents a critical step toward ending HIV as a public health threat ensuring that no patient is left behind due to stigma, distance, or systemic barriers.