AI brings digital efficiency to Kenyan pharmacies with Microsoft Copilot support

The digital transformation of neighborhood pharmacies in Kenya is gaining scale with the use of AI from Zendawa, a platform developed with support from Microsoft Copilot 365 and Power BI tools. In a scenario of tight margins and healthcare professional shortages, technology emerges as a real operational differentiator, helping pharmacists manage inventory, predict demand, and reduce medication waste. In practice, the impacts are measurable. Pharmacies such as Ryche Pharmacy in Nairobi reduced losses from expired medications by up to two-thirds, saving thousands of shillings per month. AI monitors expiration dates, alerts about loss risks, and optimizes use of limited physical space—critical for small establishments that depend on high turnover to survive. Beyond inventory management, Zendawa uses machine learning to optimize "last mile" deliveries, connecting online orders to the nearest pharmacy with product availability and local motorcycle couriers. This model not only expanded pharmacy reach but also raised minimum daily revenue, showing how applied AI can generate direct economic impact. The use of Power BI with AI enables relevant predictive analytics, such as identifying demand trends for certain medications, for example malaria treatments. As a result, pharmacists shift from reactive to proactive, purchasing more efficiently and reducing stockouts that affect patient care. Another relevant technical advance is the creation of a proprietary credit scoring system based on operational data and cash flow. By replacing traditional models based on physical collateral, Zendawa enables access to capital for small pharmacies, a strategic step for financial inclusion and sustainable growth in the local healthcare ecosystem. Zendawa's experience shows how AI can go beyond automation and become a business intelligence engine in emerging markets.