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Ilara Health Secures USD 1 M Loan To Strengthen Kenya’s Private Healthcare
Ilara Health Secures USD 1 M Loan To Strengthen Kenya’s Private Healthcare

The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has granted a USD 1 M loan to Ilara Health, a Kenya-based health-tech startup, to enhance the capabilities of private outpatient clinics in peri-urban and rural areas. The funds will support the distribution of diagnostic devices, health management software, and pharmaceuticals, aligning with DFC’s global mandate to address health, energy, and food security challenges.

Founded in 2019, Ilara Health has grown to serve over 3,000 clinics across Kenya, offering affordable tools like portable ultrasound devices and subscription-based software to streamline operations and improve care standards. This funding complements a USD 4.2 M pre-Series A round in 2024, backed by DOB Equity and Philips Foundation, among others.

CEO Emilian Popa highlighted Ilara’s commitment to addressing the quality of care gap in Kenya’s healthcare system. The startup aims to expand its B2B services, partnering with employers to provide outpatient care access at partner clinics for a fixed monthly fee. It also plans to introduce working capital loans of up to USD 15 K for clinics, enabling better financial management and service delivery.

The USD 1 M investment is part of DFC’s broader USD 3 B global portfolio for FY2025, reaffirming its support for sustainable development in emerging markets.