By Henry Neondo
neondohenry@yahoo.com
As Kenya accelerates the use of digital health solutions under its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, new research warns that mobile health tools may be excluding older people living with chronic diseases—raising concerns about equity in access to care.
A study published in the international journal PeerJ shows that mobile health technologies, known as mHealth, are predominantly used by younger and more digitally skilled patients, while older adults remain reluctant or unable to use health apps and digital platforms peerj-20130.
The study analysed more than 500 patients receiving primary care for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and respiratory diseases. The average participant was over 70 years old—a profile that closely mirrors Kenya’s growing population of older adults affected by non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Implications for Kenya’s Digital Health Strategy
Kenya’s Digital Health Strategy (2023–2027) positions digital tools as central to improving efficiency, continuity of care and access under UHC. These include electronic health records, mobile appointment systems, telemedicine and remote monitoring for chronic diseases.
However, the study’s findings suggest that without targeted support, digital health could unintentionally widen health inequalities.
“Age is the strongest factor determining whether patients use mobile health tools,” the researchers note, citing low digital literacy and limited confidence among older adults.
In Kenya, where smartphone ownership, internet access and digital skills vary sharply between urban and rural areas—and across income levels—this digital divide could undermine UHC’s promise of leaving no one behind.
CHVs seen as critical bridge
Health experts say Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) could play a crucial role in making digital health inclusive.
“CHVs are already the backbone of primary healthcare in Kenya,” said a public health expert involved in community health programming. “With the right training and tools, they can help older patients navigate digital systems or act as intermediaries between households and digital platforms.”
The study found that patients were more receptive to digital tools when they supported practical needs such as appointment reminders, treatment follow-up and faster communication with health workers—services that could be integrated into CHV workflows rather than relying solely on patient-led app use.
Diabetes offers a pathway for scale-up
Patients with diabetes were the most frequent users of mobile health tools, largely because glucose-monitoring devices and apps are widely available and linked to routine clinical care. Researchers say this demonstrates that adoption improves when digital tools are clearly useful, simple and supported by health professionals.
Policy lessons for Kenya
The study recommends that governments and partners:
- Invest in digital literacy for older adults, using CHVs and primary care nurses
- Design simple, low-data digital tools suitable for basic phones and smartphones
- Maintain hybrid care models combining digital systems with face-to-face services
“Digital health should complement human care, not replace it,” the researchers conclude.
As Kenya pushes forward with digital transformation in health, the study sends a clear message: achieving UHC will depend not just on technology, but on inclusion, trust and community-based support.