Kenya’s healthcare system consists of various levels of hospitals, with national referral hospitals being the highest in the hierarchy. These facilities offer specialized medical care and receive patients who are referred from lower-tier hospitals across the country. Referral hospitals typically provide comprehensive medical services such as surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatry, general medicine, and gynecology, among others. In cases where patients have complex medical conditions that require advanced care, they are referred to these hospitals for specialized treatment.
Kenya currently has five national referral hospitals that serve as key centers for advanced healthcare services. Below is a list of these institutions, along with details about their specialized services and facilities.
1. Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)
Kenyatta National Hospital, commonly known as KNH, is the largest and oldest referral hospital in East and Central Africa. It is located along Hospital Road in Upper Hill, Nairobi. KNH boasts a capacity of 1,800 beds, employs more than 6,000 staff members, and operates 50 wards, 22 outpatient clinics, 24 theatres (16 of which are specialized), and a fully equipped Accident and Emergency department.
KNH is also a teaching hospital, serving as the primary teaching facility for the University of Nairobi Faculty of Health Sciences. The hospital is well-known for its expertise in providing comprehensive medical care across multiple specialties, including surgery, oncology, nephrology, neurology, pediatrics, and maternal health services.
Notable Features:
- Largest referral hospital in Kenya and East Africa
- Capacity: 1,800 beds
- Specialized facilities: 24 theatres, 22 outpatient clinics
- Teaching hospital for the University of Nairobi
2. Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH)
Located along Nandi Road in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) is the second-largest referral hospital in Kenya. It has a bed capacity of 1,020 and serves as a key health facility for residents in the Rift Valley region. MTRH is also a teaching hospital for the Moi University College of Health Sciences, contributing significantly to the training of healthcare professionals in Kenya.
The hospital offers a wide range of services, including specialized care in fields such as cardiology, oncology, nephrology, orthopedics, and mental health. MTRH plays a critical role in addressing healthcare challenges in the western part of the country, providing both inpatient and outpatient services.
Notable Features:
- Located in Eldoret
- Capacity: 1,020 beds
- Teaching hospital for Moi University
3. Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital
Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital is Kenya’s leading facility for psychiatric care. Located in Nairobi, it is the only national referral hospital specializing in the treatment of mental health disorders. Mathari has a bed capacity of about 800, and it admits patients with severe psychiatric disorders who cannot afford private treatment or require more specialized care than what is offered in other public health facilities.
This hospital is critical in addressing the growing mental health challenges in the country and serves as a teaching facility for healthcare professionals specializing in psychiatry and mental health services.
Notable Features:
- Specializes in mental health care
- Capacity: 800 beds
- Premier psychiatric teaching and referral hospital in Kenya
4. Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH)
Opened in October 2019, Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH) is one of Kenya’s newest national referral hospitals. Located along the Northern Bypass in Kahawa West, Nairobi, this state-of-the-art hospital has a 650-bed capacity and offers a wide range of specialized services, including oncology, renal care, radiology, critical care, and accident and emergency services.
KUTRRH is known for its Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre, which focuses on providing early cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The hospital has quickly established itself as a key player in the country’s fight against cancer, filling a gap in Kenya’s oncology services. Apart from oncology, KUTRRH provides other essential healthcare services, including maternity, mental health, surgery, pediatrics, orthopedics, rehabilitation, and specialized clinics.
Notable Features:
- Opened in 2019
- Capacity: 650 beds
- Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre
- Offers renal care, radiology, maternity, and more
5. National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital
Located along Lenana Road, off Rose Avenue in Kilimani, Nairobi, the National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital specializes in the treatment of spinal cord injuries. With a capacity of 33 beds, it is Kenya’s primary facility for patients who have suffered spinal trauma, including cases resulting from accidents, falls, or degenerative diseases.
The hospital provides a range of rehabilitation services aimed at improving the quality of life for patients living with spinal injuries. It also offers support to patients dealing with mobility challenges, helping them regain independence through physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Notable Features:
- Specializes in spinal cord injury care
- Capacity: 33 beds
- Offers rehabilitation and mobility support services
National referral hospitals in Kenya play a vital role in providing advanced medical care for patients with complex health conditions. These five hospitals not only serve as referral points for other healthcare facilities but also offer specialized services that cater to diverse medical needs, including mental health, oncology, spinal injury treatment, and more. Moreover, they contribute to the training and development of healthcare professionals through partnerships with various universities.
As Kenya continues to improve its healthcare infrastructure, these national referral hospitals remain at the forefront of offering life-saving care and shaping the future of health services in the country.
For more information on the services provided by these hospitals or to inquire about referrals, contact the respective hospitals through their official communication channels.
