NAIROBI, Kenya- Microsoft has partnered with Kenyan health-tech innovator Zendawa to roll out an artificial intelligence-powered platform aimed at transforming how independent pharmacies operate across the country.
The collaboration leverages Microsoft 365 Copilot, Power BI, and Microsoft Azure to help small and mid-sized pharmacies digitise inventory management, cut medicine wastage, and boost sales — addressing long-standing operational challenges in Kenya’s healthcare retail sector.
Independent pharmacies remain the first point of care for millions of Kenyans, but many still rely on manual systems that expose them to losses and thin profit margins.
From Guesswork to Predictive Pharmacy Management
Zendawa’s AI-driven platform replaces traditional pen-and-paper stock records with predictive analytics and automated demand forecasting, allowing pharmacists to shift from reactive ordering to data-backed decision-making.
According to Zendawa co-founder and CEO Wilfred Chege, the integration of Microsoft’s AI tools is designed to level the playing field for small pharmacies.
“Small pharmacies are the backbone of healthcare access in Kenya, but inefficiencies often threaten their survival,” Chege said.
“This partnership equips pharmacists with advanced tools to reduce losses, optimise stock and focus on patient care rather than paperwork.”
The system provides real-time insights into fast-moving medicines, tracks expiry dates with precision, and automates stock-taking — reducing downtime caused by manual audits.
Lower Losses, Higher Sales on the Ground
Early adopters of the platform report tangible improvements in daily operations.
Pharmacies using the system say losses from expired drugs have dropped sharply, while better visibility into high-demand products has improved stock availability and increased daily sales.
Automated inventory tracking has also eliminated the need for frequent shop closures during stock-taking, keeping essential medicines accessible to communities for longer hours.
Unlocking Credit for Small Pharmacies
Beyond inventory management, the platform is also tackling a deeper structural challenge: access to financing.
By digitising transactions and stock records, pharmacies can now build verifiable, data-based credit profiles, allowing them to secure financing from lending partners without relying on traditional collateral.
Since its launch in 2023, Zendawa has expanded rapidly across Nairobi and other urban centres, positioning itself as a key player in the digitisation of Kenya’s healthcare supply chain.
A Microsoft representative said the partnership reflects the broader role AI can play in strengthening small businesses.
“AI has the power to unlock productivity at every level,” the company said. “Working with Zendawa shows how global AI technologies can be adapted to support healthcare delivery and accelerate digital transformation across Africa’s independent business sector.”
