Kenya has recorded a major milestone in advanced medical imaging following the installation of the country’s first Dual Source CT scanner at the AGC Tenwek Cardio Thoracic Centre in Bomet County.
The facility, regarded as the largest cardiothoracic centre in Sub-Saharan Africa, has partnered with Siemens Healthineers to deploy the SOMATOM Pro.Pulse system, marking a significant step forward in diagnostic capacity for cardiac, oncologic and neurological care.
The installation strengthens Kenya’s positioning as a regional hub for specialised healthcare services and expands access to high-end medical technology for patients locally and across borders.
Advancing Cardiac and Complex Imaging
Tenwek CTC currently performs approximately 50 coronary artery CT angiograms per month, reflecting strong demand for advanced cardiac imaging services.
The SOMATOM Pro.Pulse uses dual-source technology, incorporating two X-ray tubes and detectors operating simultaneously. This configuration delivers exceptional temporal resolution and faster scan speeds, reducing motion-related distortions that often compromise cardiac imaging.
The technology is particularly beneficial for patients with high or irregular heart rates, those unable to hold their breath during scans, and paediatric patients. By minimising motion artefacts, the system broadens the pool of patients who can safely undergo CT examinations.
The centre aims to address persistent barriers to early diagnosis and long-term management of non-communicable diseases, including heart failure, hypertension, obesity and diabetes, which continue to impose a growing burden across the region.
AI Integration and Personalised Protocols
A key feature of the new scanner is the AI-powered myExam Companion interface, which integrates patient data and scan-relevant information such as heart rate and breath-hold capability to create individualised scan protocols.
This personalised approach is expected to improve diagnostic precision while optimising patient comfort and workflow efficiency for clinicians.
“With the installation of SOMATOM Pro.Pulse at Tenwek CTC, we are expanding access to world-class diagnostic imaging in Kenya and beyond,” said Vivek Kanade, Managing Director for Middle East and Africa at Siemens Healthineers.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to supporting both urban and rural healthcare facilities with sustainable, high-quality technology that improves outcomes for patients,” he added.
Sustainability and Cost Efficiency
Beyond performance enhancements, the SOMATOM Pro.Pulse is designed with sustainability considerations in mind. The system consumes significantly less power compared to earlier Dual Source CT platforms, owing to improved cooling systems and efficient power management.
Lower energy consumption reduces operational costs and environmental impact, making advanced diagnostic imaging more viable for hospitals in developing markets.
“We understand the financial and operational challenges faced by healthcare providers in Africa,” Kanade said. “SOMATOM Pro.Pulse addresses those barriers through energy efficiency and lower lifecycle costs, helping institutions like Tenwek Hospital deliver top-tier care to more patients sustainably.”
Long-Term Strategic Impact
Benjamin Siele, Chief Executive Officer of Tenwek Hospital, said the new scanner is already reshaping patient care pathways.
“The installation of the SOMATOM Pro.Pulse is already transforming how we serve our cardiac and neurological patients,” he said. “Looking ahead, we are excited to expand its application into oncology and pulmonology, where we believe its speed and precision will significantly improve early detection, treatment planning, and long-term patient outcomes.”
Siele described the investment as foundational for the hospital’s future, positioning Tenwek as a comprehensive centre for high-quality specialised care.
Kenya’s Expanding Healthcare Infrastructure
Over the past decade, Kenya has expanded access to advanced healthcare infrastructure through partnerships between public, private and faith-based institutions. Investments in diagnostic technology are increasingly viewed as critical to strengthening early disease detection and improving treatment outcomes.
The installation at Tenwek aligns with national efforts to build capacity in cardiology, oncology, trauma care and pulmonary health, areas where timely and accurate imaging is essential.
As non-communicable diseases continue to rise, access to precision diagnostic tools is expected to play a pivotal role in reducing mortality and improving long-term patient management.
With the introduction of Kenya’s first Dual Source CT scanner, Tenwek CTC is positioning itself at the forefront of medical imaging innovation in East Africa.
