170 Hospitals in Murang’a to Get Faster Internet in New Starlink Deal
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Murang’a County government has announced plans to roll out satellite internet connectivity across all 170 public health facilities in a move aimed at improving healthcare delivery and strengthening digital services in the county.
In a notice dated May 27, 2026, the county said the transition from WiFi to satellite internet will officially begin on Thursday, May 28, during a launch event at the Telemedicine Hub in Muriranjas Hospital, Kahuro, Kiharu.
The project will be implemented through Starlink via its local authorised agent Paratus.
“Murang’a County will upgrade internet connectivity across all 170 public medical facilities from WiFi to satellite on Thursday, 28th May 2026. The service will be provided by Starlink, a U.S. satellite internet company, through its local authorized agent Paratus,” read part of the notice.
Murang’a County Rolls Out Satellite Internet Across 170 Medical Facilities
According to the county government, the shift will provide faster and more stable connections across hospitals and health centres, especially in remote areas where terrestrial internet services have remained unreliable.
Also Read: Starlink Suspends Internet Services for Select Kenyans Following Govt Directive
Officials noted that the new system will support telemedicine services, digital patient records, and faster transmission of laboratory results between facilities.
The county also argued that the upgrade is expected to reduce internet connectivity costs by 70% compared to the previous WiFi system, ensuring that doctors consult specialists in real time and access patient information across different medical facilities without interruptions.
Additionally, Murang’a County officials added that the satellite system is less vulnerable to fibre cuts, outages, and power disruptions that often affect conventional internet networks.
County to Provide Internet Access for Schools and Churches
Meanwhile, beyond hospitals, the county revealed that nearby public institutions, including schools and churches located within a 14-kilometre radius of upgraded health facilities, will also have an opportunity to benefit from the satellite internet network.
Interested institutions have been asked to submit application letters to the County Executive Committee Member for Health, Dr. Mbugua.
Also Read: Starlink Partners with Mawingu to Bring Faster Internet to Rural Kenya with 450 Digital Hubs
Murang’a County said 140 health facilities are expected to be solarised by June 30, 2026, while the remaining facilities will be completed by June 2027.
“This shift further complements the ongoing medical facilities solarisation programme to provide stable power. Out of 170 Medi-Cal facilities, the county will have solarised 140 by 30th June 2026. The balance 30 should be solarised by 30th June 2027,” read part of the notice.
Further, the county noted that healthcare workers, members of the public, and media representatives have been invited to attend the launch event scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. at Muriranjas Hospital.
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Photo of satellite internet. Photo/file
