Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili (Left) making a presentation on the Proximie Technology at the Devolution Conference as fellow Governors follow keenly. Photo Andrew Mbuva 
By Andrew Mbuva
In a gathering dominated by talk of technology and transformation, Makueni County emerged as a clear leader in redefining healthcare at this year’s Devolution Conference.
Its groundbreaking adoption of Proximie — a cloud-based surgical collaboration tool — drew admiration from governors and global health experts alike.
The innovation, which connects operating rooms to specialists anywhere in the world via cameras, speakers, and computers, has already begun revolutionizing patient care in Makueni.
Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili told delegates that the technology has eliminated one of healthcare’s biggest barriers: distance.
“With Proximie, a surgeon in Makueni can consult an expert in Nairobi, London, or New York in real time while operating. That is life-saving,” she said.
Dr. Shannon Shibarta, Head of Global Proximie, lauded the county’s pioneering efforts.
“Makueni is setting the pace for digital surgery in East Africa. Their story is proving that innovation can bridge the gap in healthcare access,” she noted.
The ripple effect was immediate. Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o pledged to introduce the technology in his county.
“Our people deserve the best. We will be next to roll this out,” he affirmed.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, who chairs the Health Committee at the Council of Governors, announced plans to negotiate flexible procurement models.
“We’re exploring pay-per-patient arrangements with vendors so every county can afford this,” he revealed.
As the conference closed its healthcare sessions, one thing was clear: digital solutions like Proximie are no longer a distant dream — they are the new frontier of county health services in Kenya.
