Introduction
The Kenya Health Informatics Association (KeHIA), in partnership with @iLabAfrica Centre – Strathmore University, invites university and TVET students across Kenya to participate in the Digital Health Financing Hackathon 2026.
This initiative aims to inspire young innovators to develop practical, technology-driven solutions that strengthen healthcare financing systems, improve access to quality healthcare services, and support Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda. Through a series of webinars, mentorship sessions, a virtual bootcamp, and a final pitching competition, participants will gain hands-on experience solving real-world challenges in the healthcare sector.
Whether you are a developer, designer, health professional, entrepreneur, researcher, or student passionate about technology and healthcare, this hackathon offers an opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and create meaningful impact.
About the Hackathon
Healthcare financing remains a critical pillar in ensuring equitable access to healthcare services. As digital transformation continues to reshape healthcare systems worldwide, there is growing demand for innovative solutions that improve insurance management, claims processing, healthcare payments, and decision-making through data.
The KeHIA x @iLabAfrica Digital Health Financing Hackathon seeks to harness the creativity and talent of young innovators to address these challenges using digital technologies, open-source platforms, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.
Participants will receive mentorship from industry experts, engage with leading digital health practitioners, and showcase their solutions before a panel of judges and healthcare stakeholders.
Eligibility Criteria
The hackathon is open to:
- University students currently enrolled in accredited institutions in Kenya.
- TVET students enrolled in accredited training institutions.
- Teams consisting of 2–4 members.
- Interdisciplinary teams are highly encouraged, including students from:
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Business
- Medicine
- Public Health
- Data Science
- Related disciplines
Team Requirements
- Each team must identify a Team Leader who will serve as the primary point of contact.
- Teams must be nominated by a lecturer from their institution, who will act as an academic endorser.
- Lecturer nominations must be submitted during registration.
- Proposed solutions must align with at least one official hackathon track.
Hackathon Tracks
1. OpenIMIS Innovation Track
Challenge: Develop solutions, integrations, extensions, or enhancements that improve the functionality, usability, and adoption of OpenIMIS.
OpenIMIS is an open-source health financing platform and certified Digital Public Good that supports health insurance management, claims processing, beneficiary registration, and provider payments.
2. Digital Solutions for Primary Healthcare Financing
Challenge: Build solutions that strengthen financing mechanisms for primary healthcare facilities and community health services.
Potential focus areas include:
- Resource allocation
- Community health financing
- Facility-level financial management
- Service accessibility
3. Claims Management and Fraud Detection
Challenge: Improve the efficiency, transparency, and accuracy of health insurance claims processing.
Potential solutions may focus on:
- Fraud detection
- Claims verification
- Automation
- Analytics and reporting
- Workflow optimization
4. Mobile Health Payments and Financial Inclusion
Challenge: Increase access to healthcare financing through mobile and digital payment technologies.
Potential focus areas:
- Mobile money integration
- Digital wallets
- Micro-insurance solutions
- Financial inclusion for underserved populations
5. AI and Emerging Technologies for Health Financing
Challenge: Leverage emerging technologies to improve healthcare financing systems and decision-making.
Examples include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Predictive Analytics
- Digital Identity
- Intelligent Decision Support Systems
Why Participate?
Gain Practical Experience
Work on real healthcare financing challenges affecting millions of people and develop solutions with real-world impact.
Learn from Industry Experts
Receive mentorship and technical guidance from professionals in digital health, health financing, interoperability, and open-source innovation.
Expand Your Professional Network
Connect with healthcare leaders, technology innovators, policymakers, and fellow participants from across Kenya.
Enhance Your Career Prospects
Build your portfolio, gain valuable experience, and earn recognition that can support future academic and professional opportunities.
Access New Opportunities
Outstanding teams may receive:
- Industry recognition
- Business coaching and mentorship
- Networking opportunities
- Visibility within local and global digital health communities
Commitment
Participating teams must be available to:
- Attend the virtual onboarding and bootcamp sessions.
- Participate in mentorship activities.
- Attend the in-person pitching event at Strathmore University.
- Present their final solution to judges and stakeholders.
Important Dates
Activity – Date
- Registration Deadline – 15th June 2026
- Finalists Notification – 19th June 2026
- Onboarding & Virtual Bootcamp – 23rd June 2026
- In-Person Pitching Event – 26–27th June 2026
- Winners Announcement – 27th June 2026
Awards and Recognition
Participants stand a chance to receive:
- Recognition and awards during the final event.
- Business coaching from OpenIMIS industry experts.
- Networking opportunities with KeHIA health technology partners.
- Exposure to local and international digital health communities.
- Opportunities for selected innovations to be showcased on global platforms.
Application Form
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Webinar Series
Healthcare systems worldwide are increasingly relying on digital technologies to improve service delivery, financing, and health outcomes. Open-source platforms and Digital Public Goods have emerged as critical tools for enabling sustainable, scalable, and interoperable health systems.
This webinar focuses on OpenIMIS, a globally recognized open-source health financing platform and certified Digital Public Good that supports health insurance management, beneficiary registration, claims processing, and provider payments.
Participants will gain valuable insights into:
- The role of Digital Public Goods in healthcare transformation.
- How OpenIMIS supports health financing systems.
- Current trends in digital health financing.
- The importance of interoperability and FHIR standards.
- Opportunities to contribute to open-source health technologies.
- Career pathways in digital health and health informatics.
