Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o on Monday launched the first-ever drone delivery service in Kenya dubbed Zipline instant logistics distribution system.
Nyong’o said the drone delivery is a result of a partnership between the larger Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) counties and Zipline, an American company that designs, manufactures, and operates delivery drones, in support of the universal health access efforts.
“This drone technology will reduce time wastage in health product supply via road and reduce the delay in accessing life-saving interventions,” Nyong’o noted.
During the launch, the governor witnessed a drone delivering vaccines to Migere Dispensary in Masogo Nyang’oma ward within a span of five minutes.
Nyong’o added that pregnant women and other sick persons will no longer have to be referred to other facilities due to the unavailability of medicines and other health products especially those needed in emergency situations.
“Health practitioners who require vaccines to protect children against fatal diseases in childhood will not be required to close the facility and take a motorcycle to pick up the vaccine,” he said.
“They just need to request them, and they are delivered in a few minutes. This is a giant step in our collective effort in improving healthcare delivery within the County.”
Governor Nyong’o pointed out that the livestock department is also lined up to experience and benefit from Zipline.
“We anticipate that through Zipline, the Kisumu Dairy Multiplication Centre will be able to transport semen and avoid the logistical nightmare of physically transporting animals to Chemelil for this service,” he said.
He added: “I look forward to seeing the numbers and categories of patients that will likely have improved health outcomes because of this.”
