Zipline, a global leader in autonomous drone logistics, has partnered with Kericho County in Kenya’s Rift Valley to enhance access to medical supplies for local health facilities. This groundbreaking collaboration was officially launched at Sigowet sub-county hospital by Kericho County Governor H.E. Dr. Erick Mutai.
Through this partnership, Zipline’s state-of-the-art drone technology will transform healthcare delivery in Kericho by swiftly transporting essential supplies such as vaccines, blood products, anti-venom, and anti-rabies treatments to over 200 healthcare facilities. The initiative aims to address the county’s healthcare challenges, ensuring that patients receive critical medicines promptly, especially during emergencies.
Since its inception in 2016, Zipline has been at the forefront of drone technology, completing over one million successful autonomous drone deliveries across Africa. The company has proven the potential of drones to revolutionize healthcare logistics in countries like Rwanda, where similar systems have been successfully implemented.
Governor Dr. Mutai Erick Kipkoech highlighted the benefits of this partnership, stating, “With this partnership, patients with diabetes or snake bites, common issues in the Soit Sigowet region, will now receive real-time delivery of critical medicines.” He added that the drone technology will significantly reduce delays in accessing life-saving treatments, ensuring that pregnant women and other patients no longer need to be referred to other facilities due to the unavailability of necessary medicines.
Following the successful example of Kisumu County, which has also embraced this innovative approach, Kericho aims to streamline inventory management, minimize waste, and lower costs through optimized resource allocation. A study published in The Lancet found that Zipline’s centralized blood supply and on-demand delivery system reduced blood expiries by 67% in Rwanda between 2019 and 2020.
Additionally, research by the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania revealed that Zipline’s drone deliveries in Rwanda decreased in-hospital maternal mortality due to postpartum hemorrhage by 51%. Kericho County is hopeful to achieve similar, if not greater, improvements in health outcomes through this partnership.
Luke Barasa, Zipline Kenya’s Country Operations Manager, emphasized the reliability of their drones, stating, “Our drones operate in all weather conditions, day or night, in high winds, and even during the rainy season. This resilience ensures we fulfill our mission of saving lives.”
To ensure the smooth adoption of Zipline’s technology, Kericho County has initiated measures to confirm contract staff and create a supportive work environment. The county is also committed to providing healthcare workers with the necessary training, resources, and recognition.
Beyond healthcare, Zipline’s initiative is set to create local employment opportunities and drive innovation in Kericho. By training local talent to operate and maintain its advanced technology, Zipline contributes to Kenya’s economic growth while positioning the country as a leader in leveraging cutting-edge technologies for public service delivery.
The potential of Zipline’s drones extends beyond healthcare, with applications in agriculture, disaster relief, and other sectors. This collaboration serves as a model for broader technological adoption across Kenya and beyond, showcasing the transformative power of drone technology in improving public services.
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