Smart Applications International, a Nairobi-headquartered healthcare technology company, has won the Product and Service Innovation of the Year award at the 3i International Conference 2026, the firm said in a press release dated April 27, 2026.
According to the company, the award was presented at the 3i International Conference 2026, a global forum convened by the Insurers Association of Mauritius focused on the future of insurance and healthcare, including the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) and insurer–provider collaboration.
The recognition adds to the profile of Kenyan health-tech in regional and international markets at a time when insurers and healthcare providers are investing in digitised claims management, fraud detection, identity systems and data-driven oversight. In Kenya, these themes mirror broader sector priorities such as reducing claims leakage, improving turnaround times and strengthening accountability across provider networks.
Smart Applications International said this year’s conference discussions centred on “the growing role of artificial intelligence, the need for stronger insurer–provider collaboration, and the importance of unlocking value through integrated digital ecosystems.”
The company said it was represented at the Mauritius forum by Harrison Muiru, Group Managing Director; Esther Muiruri, Group Director, Insurance Business; and Yan Jouan, Country Manager, Mauritius. It said its delegation contributed to discussions on AI adoption in healthcare and the role of digital platforms in improving efficiency within insurance value chains.
“This recognition is a strong validation of our commitment to delivering meaningful, technology-led transformation in healthcare and insurance. As systems grow in complexity, the need for intelligent, integrated platforms becomes even more critical,” Harrison Muiru, Group Managing Director, Smart Applications International, said in the statement.
Muiru added that the company’s focus is on “building solutions that not only improve efficiency, but also strengthen trust, transparency, and collaboration across the entire ecosystem,” according to the press release.
Yan Jouan, Country Manager, Mauritius, said resilient healthcare systems require “a combination of intelligent digital infrastructure and strong local expertise,” and pointed to MediSmart and SmartInsure as tools that can help insurers automate processes while maintaining human oversight, the company said.
Smart Applications International said the award reflects its “growing footprint in international markets” and its work supporting “seamless service delivery,” improved claims management and data-led decision-making through platforms including MediSmart and Smart Insure.
For Kenya’s insurance and healthcare sectors, the company’s emphasis on integrated digital ecosystems aligns with increasing pressure on insurers to manage medical costs and improve customer experience, while providers face demands for faster approvals, better data quality and stronger compliance controls. Industry players in East Africa have also been testing AI-driven tools to address operational bottlenecks, though adoption often depends on interoperability with existing systems and regulatory expectations around data privacy and clinical governance.
In its company backgrounder, Smart Applications International described itself as an ISO-certified healthcare technology company headquartered in Nairobi, delivering digital health, biometric identity and analytics platforms across Africa. It said it works with governments, healthcare providers, insurers and development organisations to improve service delivery and expand access to essential services.
The company did not disclose financial terms linked to the award or provide metrics on adoption of its platforms. It also did not announce new contracts or market expansion timelines in the statement.
Smart Applications International said it expects continued focus globally on practical applications of AI and digital technologies in insurance and healthcare, positioning integrated platforms as central to future system improvements.