As is the case throughout the country, the standard of healthcare in Nairobi varies considerably depending on the type of treatment needed and the type of hospital expats can afford. Healthcare in Kenya offers both public and private facilities, and expats generally opt for the latter.
There are plenty of private hospitals, medical centres and individual practices in and around Nairobi. The major challenge for expats will be to decide where to seek treatment. Expats moving to Nairobi will need to consider convenience and which facility best aligns with their priorities and health needs.
Kenya's public healthcare system operates with contributions from two types of social security services: the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and the National Social Security Scheme (NSSF). The NHIF is largely targeted at Kenyan citizens over the age of 18, though all citizens and expatriates working in Kenya must make monthly contributions to this, deducted from their salary.
Though expats are eligible to take advantage of the NHIF, most opt for private healthcare which requires a more comprehensive insurance policy.
Though not compulsory by law, private health insurance comes strongly recommended for expats in Nairobi. Without it, healthcare costs are just as expensive as in Western countries, and covering the costs for emergency care – and especially medical evacuation – out of pocket can be impossible.
Pharmacies are easy to find in Nairobi. Most major hospitals have pharmacies attached to them, which are open 24/7. There are also privately run pharmacies that can easily be located in shopping malls as well as on major streets in Nairobi.
Below is a list of some of the city's most prominent hospitals.
Hospitals in Nairobi
Aga Khan University Hospital
Website: www.hospitals.aku.edu/nairobi
Address: 3rd Parklands Avenue, Limuru Road, Nairobi
Bristol Park Hospital
Website: www.bristolpark.or.ke
Address: Behind Tassia School, Outer Ring Road, Fedha Estate, Nairobi
Care Hospital Ltd
Website: www.carehospitalnairobi.business.site
Address: Muinami Street, Opposite Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Nairobi
Gertrude's Children's Hospital
Website: www.gerties.org
Address: 34 Muthaiga Rd, Nairobi
Kenyatta National Hospital
Website: knh.or.ke
Address: Hospital Rd, Nairobi
M.P. Shah Hospital
Website: mpshahhosp.org
Address: Shivachi Road in Parklands area, Nairobi
The Nairobi Hospital
Website: thenairobihosp.org
Address: Argwings Kodhek Rd, Nairobi
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global
For anyone starting a new life abroad, ensuring access to good quality healthcare is essential. Cigna Global are specialists in providing international health plans for expats, ensuring you have access to quality care and support whenever you need it. Cigna’s health plans can be tailored exactly to meet the individual needs of you and your family.
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