Kenya has taken a major step forward in healthcare innovation with the unveiling of East Africa’s first 256-slice AI-powered CT scanner at The Nairobi Hospital. This state-of-the-art diagnostic technology represents a leap in imaging precision and speed, offering significantly reduced radiation exposure. It is designed to transform diagnostic capabilities across multiple medical disciplines including cardiology, oncology, pediatrics, neurology, trauma, and orthopedics.
The commissioning of the scanner coincides with the launch of a strategic partnership involving the Ministry of Health, the Social Health Authority (SHA), and The Nairobi Hospital. This collaboration is aligned with the government’s broader Universal Health Coverage (UHC) objectives. Through this initiative, SHA-registered patients will receive subsidized access to high-end oncology and renal care services such as brachytherapy, radio-iodine therapy, conformal radiotherapy, haemodialysis, and kidney transplantation. The partnership is expected to improve access to life-saving treatments for thousands of patients who would otherwise face financial or logistical barriers.
In the previous year, more than 11,000 Kenyans spent over KES 14.7 billion seeking medical treatment abroad, largely for complex non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This initiative is aimed at reversing that trend by building domestic capacity to manage NCDs effectively. With the deployment of cutting-edge equipment and the integration of AI in diagnostic processes, the country is positioning itself as a regional hub for specialized healthcare.
Health sector reforms are also being reinforced with commitments to stabilize the workforce. Budget allocations have been made to settle outstanding payments and fully implement Return-to-Work Agreements, ensuring continuity in service delivery and addressing the root causes of recurring health worker strikes.
In a call for collective responsibility, health sector leaders emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue among stakeholders to enhance healthcare delivery and policy execution. The partnership with The Nairobi Hospital was particularly highlighted as a model for harmonizing innovation with inclusivity, ensuring that advanced care reaches even the most vulnerable through SHA support.
The event was marked by the presence of key figures in the health sector, signifying a united front in driving health innovation. This development not only affirms Kenya’s role as a healthcare leader in the region but also underscores the power of public-private collaboration in delivering equitable, high-quality medical services. As the country pushes forward with its UHC agenda, initiatives such as this are expected to reshape Kenya’s healthcare landscape and offer new hope to patients across all walks of life.
