- Background
The National Tuberculosis Program (NTP), under the Ministry of Health (MoH), is undertaking a major digital transformation of its laboratory information systems through enhancements to the TIBU Laboratory Information Management System (TIBU LIMS). This initiative is funded under a targeted grant, awarded to Centre for Health Solutions – Kenya (CHS), aimed at strengthening diagnostic systems, integrating financial and patient-level data, and expanding analytics and reporting capacity.
TIBU LIMS is a critical component of the larger TIBU digital ecosystem, which includes TIBU PMS (Patient Management System), TIBU MEDS (logistics and commodity tracking), and TIBU Cash (digital financial disbursement system). This project aims to enhance TIBU LIMS by addressing gaps in digitization, integration, predictive analytics, and data security.
Centre for Health Solutions – Kenya (CHS) is a local, not-for-profit organisation that utilises 100% local expertise and strategic partnerships to implement evidence-informed solutions and interventions to existing and emerging public health concerns. CHS continues to grow as the preferred partner for health solutions by consistently focusing on delivering quality health services and continuous improvement. Guided by a vision of a world of healthy families through universal access to health interventions and services, CHS is a close and trusted partner of the Government of Kenya, working in partnership with the national and county governments, donors, and other stakeholders for the delivery of sustainable health services.
The NTP seeks to contract a software development firm with significant experience in building and customizing health informatics systems, particularly those interfacing with national disease programs.
- Objective of the Assignment
To design, develop, test, and deploy robust, interoperable software components within TIBU LIMS to support diagnostic digitization, API integration, automated workflows, security upgrades, and advanced analytics aligned with the grant-supported activities.
- Scope of Work
The selected firm will be responsible for the following tasks:
System Architecture and Digitization
- Redesign and optimize the TIBU LIMS software architecture to improve performance and scalability.
- Digitize laboratory request and reporting forms to replace manual processes.
- Develop data validation rules and automation scripts to reduce errors and enhance data quality.
System Integration
- Develop and customize APIs to support real-time data exchange with TIBU PMS, TIBU Cash, and NTRL (Drug Resistance Surveillance).
- Implement API gateways and message brokers for dynamic data sync and load balancing.
Security and Compliance
- Upgrade user authentication using multi-factor authentication (MFA) and Single Sign-On (SSO).
- Implement end-to-end encryption and access control policies aligned with the Kenya Data Protection Act.
- Conduct security audits and penetration testing to verify system integrity.
Diagnostic Instrument Monitoring
- Develop modules to track equipment usage, schedule maintenance, and automate alerts for diagnostics equipment.
- Configure SMTP for automated email notifications and cron jobs for maintenance reports.
Dashboards and Analytics
- Design and deploy action-oriented dashboards with real-time data streaming, drill-downs, and visualizations.
- Integrate forecasting algorithms and descriptive analytics using PostgreSQL, D3.js, and charting libraries.
Disaster Recovery and Infrastructure
- Establish backup and disaster recovery mechanisms including centralized backup servers and cloud storage integration.
- Deploy automation for scheduled backups, encryption, and data restoration.
Training and Support
- Conduct training for national ICT team at DNTLD – P on the new system features.
- Provide post-deployment support and issue resolution for a period of not less than three months.
- Deliverables
- System and database architecture blueprints
- Digitized forms and automated workflows deployed
- APIs developed and integrated with external systems
- Functional dashboards and predictive modules
- MFA, encryption, and SSO security layers implemented
- Backup and disaster recovery plan fully operational
- Comprehensive documentation and user manuals
- Training sessions conducted and support mechanisms established
- Duration
The consultancy will be implemented over a 4-month period, aligned with the grant cycle. The timeline includes progressive milestones for delivery, testing, deployment, and support.
- Minimum Qualifications of the Firm
- Minimum 10 years of experience developing financial and health informatics systems, including claims management, digital payments, and inventory systems preferably in the TIBU Ecosystem.
- Software development experience within the TIBU ecosystem, including modules such as TIBU LIMS, TIBU PMS, or TIBU Cash will be an added advantage.
- Proven experience in large-scale system integrations with APIs and real-time data sync.
- Demonstrated capacity to build secure applications that comply with national data protection standards.
- In-house capacity of software developers, UI/UX designers, system architects, DevOps engineers, and cybersecurity experts.
- Portfolio of successfully completed health sector digital solution.
- Reporting and Oversight
The firm will report directly to the NTP’s Digital Health Technical Team and the Grant Management Unit. A designated focal person will be appointed to coordinate deliverables and performance reviews. The firm will be expected to participate in:
- Bi-weekly sprint reviews and technical calls
- Monthly milestone validation meetings
- Ad hoc consultations and stakeholder briefings
- Application Process
Interested firms should submit:
- Company profile and comprehensive curriculum vitaes of the lead consultant/team that would be assigned to the engagement, including years of experience and specific engagements in the TIBU ecosystem
- Description of at least one similar health informatics or financial system projects completed
- Proposed methodology, work plan, and delivery schedule
- Technical and financial proposals in separate documents
- Copy of Registration Certificate
- Copy of KRA PIN Certificate
Applications must be submitted electronically to bids@chskenya.org no later than June 10, 2025 COB with the subject: “Consultancy for TIBU LIMS Software Development”.
The proposal should be addressed to:
The Chief Executive Officer,
Centre for Health Solutions – Kenya (CHS),
Watermark Business Park, Ndege Road, Spring Court, 1st Floor
P.O. Box 23248-00100 GPO, Nairobi
Only shortlisted firms will be contacted. Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification: CHS reserves the right to reject incomplete applications without giving reasons for rejection and does not bind itself to accept.
