Microsoft, Zendawa Deploy AI Solution to Boost Efficiency of Independent Pharmacies in Kenya
Dr. Bramwel Othieno, a pharmacist at Ryche Pharmacy in Nairobi. Microsoft has partnered with Kenyan health-tech startup Zendawa to deploy an AI-powered solution that is helping independent pharmacies across Kenya improve efficiency, reduce medicine wastage, and increase sales.
Microsoft has partnered with Kenyan health-tech startup Zendawa to roll out an artificial intelligence-powered solution aimed at strengthening the operations of independent pharmacies across the country.
The platform, built on Microsoft 365 Copilot, Power BI and Microsoft Azure, is enabling small and medium-sized pharmacies to digitise inventory management, access real-time business insights and make data-driven decisions that were previously beyond their reach.
Independent pharmacies form a vital link in Kenya’s healthcare delivery system but often operate on thin margins and rely on manual, paper-based processes. Zendawa’s AI-driven solution replaces these systems with predictive analytics, automated reporting and demand forecasting tools, helping pharmacists optimise stock levels, reduce losses from expired medicines and improve service delivery to their communities.
According to Zendawa Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Wilfred Chege, the partnership is designed to address long-standing operational challenges facing small pharmacies.
“Small pharmacies are essential to healthcare access in Kenya, yet many struggle with inefficiencies and limited access to business intelligence,” Chege said. “By leveraging Microsoft’s AI technologies, we are equipping pharmacists with tools to cut losses, grow revenue and operate more sustainably.”
The initiative underscores the growing role of artificial intelligence in transforming healthcare supply chains and supporting locally owned businesses, while advancing digital innovation in Kenya’s health sector.
