Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Afya1 digital health services. For a plain-language walkthrough of what the consultation fee covers, see how pricing works.

Getting Started

How do I create an account on Afya1?

You can create an account by clicking the "Sign Up" button on our homepage. You can register using your phone number or email address. After registration, you'll need to verify your identity through a simple OTP process.

Is Afya1 free to use?

Creating an account on Afya1 is free. Each provider sets their own consultation fee, which you see before you book. That fee is for the provider’s time only. Medicine, laboratory tests, and other clinical extras are not included and are quoted separately if needed.

Can I use Afya1 outside Kenya?

Currently, Afya1 primarily serves patients and providers within Kenya. Our healthcare providers are licensed to practice in Kenya and our services are optimized for the Kenyan healthcare system.

Booking Consultations

How do I book a doctor consultation?

After creating an account, browse our verified healthcare providers, filter by specialty or location, select a provider, and choose an available time slot. You can book video consultations, phone calls, or home visits.

What types of consultations are available?

We offer general consultations, specialist consultations (psychiatrists, psychologists, etc.), mental health sessions, physical rehabilitation, home care visits, and hospital bedside care.

How long do consultations typically last?

Consultation durations vary by provider and service type. Standard consultations usually last 15-30 minutes, while specialist consultations may take 30-60 minutes. The duration is specified when booking.

Can I reschedule or cancel my appointment?

Yes. You can cancel from your dashboard. Cancel more than 24 hours before an accepted visit for a full M-Pesa refund. Within 24 hours of an accepted visit, the provider keeps the fare because M-Pesa cannot split a charge. If the provider declines or does not accept within 2 hours, you get a full refund.

Provider Verification

Are all healthcare providers on Afya1 verified?

Yes. Every provider is reviewed before patients can book them. Clinical roles are checked against the relevant regulator, such as KMPDC or the Nursing Council of Kenya. Caregivers and home care assistants are reviewed on identity, a CV, a training certificate, and referees.

What qualifications do Afya1 providers have?

Clinical roles such as doctors, nurses, psychologists, and psychiatrists need a current licence Afya1 can verify, for example with KMPDC or the Nursing Council of Kenya. Caregivers and home care assistants can apply with a National ID, a CV, a training certificate such as first aid, BLS, CHP, or a caregiver course, and two or three referees. A medical licence is not required for that caregiver pathway.

Can I join as a nurse, or as a caregiver with a certificate and no licence?

Yes. Open Sign up and choose Join as a provider. Nurses apply with a current Nursing Council licence. Caregivers and home care assistants apply with a training certificate and identity documents. Afya1 reviews the documents before patients can book you. A paid subscription is optional.

How can I check a provider's credentials?

Each provider's profile displays their qualifications, experience, license information, and patient reviews. You can review this information before booking.

Payments & Pricing

How much do consultations cost?

Consultation fees vary by provider type and service. General consultations range from KES 1,000-5,000, specialist consultations from KES 2,500-10,000, and home visits from KES 3,000-8,000. Mental health services range from KES 1,000-10,000. Those amounts are for the session only and do not include medicine or laboratory tests.

Do I need a subscription to book?

No. Patients pay per visit. Complete ID verification, then book and pay the consultation fee by M-Pesa. A subscription is optional and is not required to see a provider.

What payment methods are accepted?

We accept M-Pesa through Pesapal. Payment is processed securely on the platform. A subscription is optional and is not required to book a visit.

When do I pay for my consultation?

You pay the consultation fee when you book. The money is held in escrow and released after the session, subject to the dispute window. Medicine, laboratory tests, and other extras are paid separately only if they are quoted and you accept them.

Are there any hidden fees?

No. The consultation fee shown at booking is the amount you pay for that session, held in escrow. Afya1’s platform fee is taken from that amount, not added on top. Medicine, laboratory tests, imaging, and other clinical extras are never hidden inside the fare. If they are needed, they are quoted separately for you to review before you pay.

Does the consultation fee include medicine or lab tests?

No. The consultation fee covers the provider’s professional time only. If medicine, laboratory tests, imaging, or other extras are recommended, they appear on a separate quote. You review that quote before you pay, and the original consultation fee does not change.

Prescriptions & Follow-up

Can doctors prescribe medication through Afya1?

Yes, licensed doctors can prescribe medication during online consultations when clinically appropriate. A prescription is not part of the consultation fee. You pay the pharmacy separately, or any billed extra is quoted for you to review first.

How do I get my prescription filled?

After your consultation, if a prescription is issued, you'll receive it digitally. You can choose to have it sent to a pharmacy of your choice for pickup or delivery.

Can I schedule follow-up appointments?

Yes, you can schedule follow-up appointments directly through the platform. Your provider may also recommend follow-up consultations during your initial visit.

Referrals

How do provider and healthcare facility referrals work?

Members and marketing agents pay a one-time Ksh 99 to unlock a referral link. Providers can share a link without that fee. A referral counts when the person pays the Ksh 99, or when a referred provider or healthcare facility pays a subscription. KES 249 is credited for every 7 of those payments. Creating an account, or booking care, does not count by itself. Book a Service Only accounts do not earn.

Is a care referral the same as Refer & Earn?

No. A signed-in healthcare facility can send a patient to another provider or facility from its referral page. That is a care referral. It is separate from the Ksh 99 Refer & Earn program.

Technical Support

What if I have technical issues during a consultation?

Our support team is available to assist with technical issues. You can reach us through the help button in your dashboard or contact support directly.

What are the system requirements for video consultations?

For video consultations, you need a stable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone (smartphone, tablet, or computer), and a modern web browser.

Is my health information secure on Afya1?

Yes, we take data security seriously. All health information is encrypted and stored securely. We comply with Kenyan data protection regulations and healthcare privacy standards.

Still have questions?

Our support team is here to help you with any questions about Afya1 services.

Contact Support