Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Sunday commissioned East Africa’s first 256-slice CT scanner at The Nairobi Hospital, marking a major milestone in medical technology and diagnostic care in the region. The cutting-edge machine is poised to revolutionize imaging and clinical diagnostics in Kenya and beyond.
Describing the equipment as a breakthrough in diagnostic medicine, Duale said the scanner will significantly improve clinical outcomes. “This moment signifies more than technological progress; it reflects our collective determination to revolutionise diagnostic medicine and improve health outcomes for all Kenyans,” he said.
The 256-slice CT scanner represents the latest innovation in non-invasive imaging. It can produce a complete three-dimensional visual representation of the heart and other internal organs in under five seconds, making it especially useful for patients unable to hold their breath during scans. With data acquisition and processing four times faster than conventional machines, the technology enhances the accuracy and speed of diagnosis.
Duale noted that the machine would enhance care across various specialties including cardiology, oncology, trauma, paediatrics, neurology, and orthopaedics. “With its capacity for high-speed, low-dose, and ultra-precise imaging, this machine will help save lives by ensuring that patients receive the right diagnosis, at the right time, using the best available technology,” he added.
In tandem with the scanner’s launch, Duale also presided over the signing of a Collaboration Framework between the Ministry of Health through the Social Health Authority (SHA) and The Nairobi Hospital. This initiative aims to expand access to specialized care for SHA beneficiaries.
Under the agreement, SHA members will receive advanced oncology and renal care, including intra-cavitary brachytherapy, radioiodine therapy, CT planning, hemodialysis, and kidney transplants at no out-of-pocket cost. Each SHA member will be entitled to a care package of up to Sh550,000.
“All services provided under this framework will attract no additional top-up, ensuring financial protection for those most in need,” Duale stated.
This collaboration aligns with Kenya’s broader goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by easing the burden of chronic illnesses and increasing access to world-class diagnostic and treatment services.
