By: Nana Appiah
Acquaye
Kenyan healthcare technology
innovator Kilemi Thambura has been conferred with the Order of the Grand
Warrior of Kenya (OGW) in recognition of his contribution to healthcare
innovation, digital transformation and blood services.
Thambura, a former trainee
of Kenya’s Presidential Digital Talent Programme, was recognised by President
William S. Ruto for his contribution to developing technology-driven solutions
to critical healthcare challenges.
Principal Secretary for the
State Department of ICT and Digital Economy, Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui,
congratulated Thambura on the national honour, describing his journey from a
digital talent trainee to a nationally recognised innovator as an example of the
potential of Kenyan technology talent.
Through JiJi Health,
Thambura has developed digital solutions aimed at improving healthcare
delivery, with its flagship Damu Sasa platform providing an integrated digital
ecosystem for blood donor mobilisation, collection, inventory management,
transfusion services, haemovigilance and emergency blood coordination.
The platform has supported
collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Amref Health Africa, UNFPA and other
partners to improve the availability, traceability, safety and efficient
utilisation of blood and blood products.
Tanui said Thambura’s career
demonstrates the impact that investment in digital skills and innovation can
have when young professionals are given opportunities to develop solutions to
national challenges.
