Summer Internship With Access Afya

I have always been passionate about exploring new countries and cultures. So, when Access Afya, a rapidly growing healthcare start-up dedicated to providing affordable healthcare to low-income communities, offered me the opportunity to intern in Kenya for the summer, I eagerly accepted.

This internship provided an unparalleled experience, offering an insider’s perspective on how a social impact-driven start-up operates within Kenya’s developing economy.

By collaborating closely with local colleagues and observing the realities of clinics in underserved slum areas, I gained a profound understanding of Kenya’s social and cultural landscape. This not only deepened my knowledge of the country but also broadened my insights into the wider East African region, revealing significant opportunities for development and growth.

As a Summer Fellow, I supported Access Afya’s management team by contributing to their pricing and marketing strategies to increase revenue and footfall. My work spanned both short-term initiatives, such as the Ultrasound Discount Programme and Childcare Immunisation Programme, as well as long-term strategies like enhancing Afya Smart, their subscription-based model, implementing Flexpay to offer patients more flexible payment options for medications, and standardising pricing across franchise locations.

One of the most impactful moments of the internship was visiting the clinics in the slums. For the first time, I could directly connect the data I analysed with the real-world conditions it reflected. Seeing firsthand the harsh realities of poverty deepened my appreciation for Access Afya’s mission and its crucial role in these communities.

Another highlight was participating in strategy brainstorming sessions. I generated and tested numerous ideas, learning valuable lessons from the data. Although the journey wasn’t always straightforward, I successfully navigated the complexities. I delivered actionable insights, contributing analytics that would aid management in moving forward.

This internship was an invaluable opportunity to immerse myself in the social impact sector. The experience profoundly transformed my understanding of this field. Starting in a developing country like Kenya expanded my view of social enterprises. It highlighted the urgent social issues that need immediate attention.

This internship experience was supported by the INSEAD Hoffmann Institute Impact Internship Stipend and gifts from alumni.