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
What do expats say about Nairobi's hospitals?
"My recommendation if you have kids is to find a good paediatrician as soon as you arrive. We love Dr Nesbitt at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital in Muthaiga. As for hospitals, The Aga Khan University Hospital is widely regarded as the best hospital in Nairobi."
Read our interview with Tara for more information on health and safety in Kenya.
"So far my experiences have been good but all expats pay for private medical insurance which provides access to the top doctors and hospitals. Having said that, I've been told that I should go back to the UK for anything other than minor surgery."
Read more in this interview with Nadine.
Further reading
►What's it really like to live in Nairobi? Have a read of the Pros and Cons of Living in Nairobi
Are you an expat living in Nairobi?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Nairobi. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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