Healthcare in Nairobi

The standard of healthcare in Nairobi varies considerably depending on the type of treatment needed and the type of hospital you can afford. Healthcare in Kenya offers both public and private facilities, and most expats opt for the latter.

There are plenty of private hospitals, medical centres and individual practices in and around Nairobi. Your major challenge will be to decide where to seek treatment. When moving to Nairobi, you will need to consider convenience and which facility best aligns with your 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 expats working in Kenya must make monthly contributions to this, deducted from their salary.

The recent enactment of several healthcare-related acts in 2023, such as the Primary Health Care Act, Digital Health Act, and Social Health Insurance Act, has significantly impacted the public healthcare system. The Social Health Insurance Act, for instance, has replaced the NHIF with the Social Health Authority, introducing funds like the Primary Healthcare Fund, the Social Health Insurance Fund, and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund. These reforms aim to enhance Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kenya.

Though you are eligible to take advantage of the Social Health Authority, most people opt for private healthcare, which requires a more comprehensive insurance policy.

Though not compulsory by law, private health insurance is strongly recommended for those 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. Privately run pharmacies can also be located in shopping malls and on major streets.

Read more about Healthcare and Health Insurance 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
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.carehospital.co.ke
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: www.knh.or.ke
Address: Hospital Rd, Nairobi

M.P. Shah Hospital

Website: www.mpshahhosp.org
Address: Shivachi Road in Parklands area, Nairobi

The Nairobi Hospital

Website: www.thenairobihosp.org
Address: Argwings Kodhek Rd, Nairobi