Microsoft has teamed up with local startup Zendawa. The new system uses AI to help pharmacies manage stock better
Microsoft has entered into a partnership with Kenyan health-tech firm Zendawa to introduce an artificial intelligence system designed to support independent pharmacies across the country.
The move aims to help small pharmacy businesses improve operations, cut losses, and grow profits using modern digital tools.
The solution runs on Microsoft’s cloud and AI tools, including Microsoft 365 Copilot, Power BI, and Azure.
It allows pharmacists to track stock digitally, understand sales trends instantly, and predict future demand for services that were previously too costly or complex for many small pharmacies.
Community pharmacies play a key role in Kenya’s healthcare system, often acting as the first stop for patients seeking treatment.
Despite this, many still rely on handwritten records, which often lead to expired medicines, missed sales, and poor planning. Zendawa’s system replaces these manual methods with automated reports and smart forecasts.
Zendawa co-founder and CEO Wilfred Chege said small pharmacies are vital but face daily struggles that limit growth.
He noted that the partnership gives pharmacists practical tools to reduce waste, increase income, and run their businesses more efficiently using AI.
Pharmacies already using the platform say they are seeing great improvements.
According to Zendawa, users report lower losses from expired drugs, clearer insight into fast-selling products, and improved daily revenue. Automated stock checks have also reduced the need to close shops during inventory counts.
Dr Bramwel Othieno, who runs Ryche Pharmacy, said expired medicines previously cost his business large sums every month.
He explained that the AI system now helps him monitor expiry dates, plan stock needs, and spend more time attending to patients instead of paperwork.
Beyond daily operations, the platform helps pharmacies create data-based credit profiles.
These records can be shared with lending partners, allowing pharmacies to access loans without traditional collateral, a major hurdle for small healthcare businesses.
Founded in 2023, Zendawa has expanded its services across Nairobi and other major towns, helping hundreds of pharmacies move to digital systems.
The collaboration highlights how artificial intelligence is beginning to strengthen healthcare supply chains while supporting small enterprises.
Microsoft said the partnership aligns with its goal of using AI to improve productivity and create economic opportunities through local solutions.
By working with homegrown innovators, the company aims to address real challenges in healthcare delivery and small business growth.
With national data showing that many patients first seek care at neighbourhood pharmacies, improving how these outlets operate has a direct impact on healthcare access.
Through this partnership, Microsoft and Zendawa are positioning AI as a scalable tool to support better healthcare services, stronger businesses, and Kenya’s wider digital growth agenda.
