A Systematic Review of Virtual Mentorship and Telemedicine Contributions by the African Diaspora to Health Systems Strengthening in Kenya, 2021–2026

This systematic literature review investigates how Kenya’s health system can leverage external expertise to address workforce and resource constraints. It specifically evaluates the documented contributions of African diaspora health professionals, via virtual mentorship and telemedicine, to health systems strengthening in Kenya. Employing the PRISMA framework, a comprehensive search strategy was executed across five academic databases for relevant peer-reviewed studies and grey literature published up to 2024. Rigorous screening, quality assessment, and thematic synthesis were applied to the included evidence. Key findings indicate that diaspora-led virtual mentorship has enhanced clinical competencies and research capacity among Kenyan healthcare workers. Telemedicine initiatives facilitated by diaspora professionals have improved access to specialist consultations in underserved regions, notably in psychiatry, oncology, and chronic disease management. Success is contingent on aligning interventions with national health priorities and integrating them within local institutional frameworks. The review concludes that the African diaspora represents a significant, yet underutilised, asset for digital health advancement. The significance of this work lies in proposing a collaborative model that emphasises African agency and reciprocal knowledge exchange, thereby mitigating the negative effects of brain drain. The implications highlight the necessity for supportive policy and sustained investment in digital infrastructure to scale these partnerships effectively, promoting greater health equity and system resilience in Kenya.