Kenya Unveils SERA.ai, a New AI Tool to Speed Up Health Policy Making

Kenya’s health sector could soon change the way it makes policies, thanks to a new tool called SERA.ai. The platform, developed by Visortech Solutions together with Yemaya Health Advisory, was introduced this week during a workshop in Nairobi attended by Ministry of Health officials, researchers, and policy experts.

Dr. Nduku Kilonzo, who gave the keynote address, said the tool will help reduce the long delays that often slow down health policy decisions.

“Right now, drafting and approving a single policy can take months or even years,” she said. “That means our response to health challenges sometimes comes too late, even during emergencies like disease outbreaks.”

How it Works

SERA, which means “policy” in Kiswahili, uses artificial intelligence to scan and analyze information from many sources including WHO databases, medical journals, and government reports. It then turns that information into clear recommendations that policymakers can use.

“What makes it powerful is its ability to process all this complex data and bring out the key insights quickly,” Dr. Kilonzo explained. “It doesn’t replace human decision-making, but it makes the work faster and more accurate.”

Ready for Testing

The first version of the tool has already been built and cleared for testing by Strathmore University. It allows users to upload policy documents, ask questions, and get evidence-backed answers with full references. It also has a feedback system so that users can help improve it over time.

Why It Matters

At the workshop, participants looked at how SERA.ai could be used in different areas—from updating guidelines on maternal health to improving tuberculosis policies and even preparing for future pandemics.

Dr. Kilonzo said the tool could help Kenya avoid the delays seen during COVID-19, when evidence-based policies were needed urgently.

A Collaborative Effort

The project has brought together not just health experts, but also AI developers, researchers, and advocacy groups. The team behind SERA.ai says it is built with strong data security measures and designed to respect Kenya’s cultural and social context.

The Bigger Picture

If adopted, the system could cut policy-making timelines from years to just a few months, making it easier for government and partners to act quickly.

“This is more than a tech demo,” Dr. Kilonzo told participants. “It’s a chance to rethink how we create health policies in Kenya faster, more inclusive, and more responsive to the needs of our people.”