They say, “Your health is your wealth,” and when it comes to your well-being, picking the right hospital for your health needs is important. Still, getting quality healthcare often means out-of-pocket expenditure, forcing most people to seek budget-friendly health institutions.
In Nairobi, Kenya, the cheapest health care you can get is at government-sponsored public hospitals. While most public facilities are frowned upon – we’ve scoured the city to bring you the best public hospitals in Nairobi that offer quality healthcare without bruising your pocket. These public health institutions are NHIF-accredited and committed to your well-being.
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)
Popularly known as ‘KNH,’ Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi is the nation’s oldest and most esteemed healthcare facility. It was established in 1901 as King George VI Hospital. After independence, it was renamed Kenyatta Hospital to honor the first president of Kenya.
As a public tertiary referral hospital, KNH plays a vital role in the nation’s healthcare and serves as the teaching hospital for the University of Nairobi College of Health Sciences. Boasting a considerable infrastructure, Kenyatta National Hospital ranks among the largest hospitals in East Africa.
That’s not all. KNH has 50 patient wards, 22 outpatient clinics, 8 outpatient and 16 specialized theaters, and a well-equipped 21-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The public national hospital strongly emphasizes emergency medical services through its accident and emergency department, ensuring swift and expert care during critical situations.
The public can access a comprehensive range of medical services, including orthopedics, dentistry, pediatrics, surgery, and specialized care in areas like neurology, cardiology, and general surgery. Maternity services, physiotherapy, and eye care are also provided.
That’s not all. Kenyatta National Hospital is an NHIF-accredited facility expanding public healthcare access.
Location: Along Hospital Road, Nairobi.
NHIF-Accredited: Yes.
Contact: 020-2726300, 0709854000, or 0730643000.
Email: knhadmin@knh.or.ke
Hotline: 020 2737390
Pumwani Maternity Hospital
Established in 1926 by the Lady Griggs Welfare League, Pumwani Maternity Hospital has a rich history and a sterling reputation in obstetrics in the region. Neatly tucked along General Waruinge Street in the Eastleigh neighborhood, this public health facility has become the largest referral hospital in East Africa.
Initially called the Lady Griggs Maternity, Pumwani Maternity specializes in Obstetrics and is a referral center for expectant mothers nationwide. The NHIF-accredited public health facility boasts a 354-bed capacity, 144 baby cots, three theatres, and an HDU (High Dependency Unit).
In addition to exceptional maternity services, Pumwani Hospital offers comprehensive care for HIV/AIDS, antenatal and postnatal care, and child and adolescent health.
Location: General Waruinge Street, Eastleigh
NHIF Accredited: Yes
Contact: (+254) 0778 564272, 0712 764734
Email: info@pumwanimaternity.go.ke.
Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital
Located along the Northern Bypass in Kahawa West, the Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH) is a shining beacon of quality public healthcare in Kenya.
The Level-6 National Referral Hospital boasts state-of-the-art medical equipment and a 630-bed capacity. Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital is Nairobi’s uncontested go-to public facility of choice.
Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital prides itself on offering various health services, including oncology, trauma, orthopedic, renal care, and accident and emergency care. Its oncology center is its flagship project, delivering exceptional care to cancer patients in Nairobi – and across the country.
That’s not all. KUTRRH also provides critical care, imaging, nursing services, pharmacy, consultancy, trauma, ICU (Intensive Care Unit), neonatal intensive care, radiotherapy, and more.
Location: Along Northern Bypass, Kahawa West
NHIF Accredited: Yes
Contact: 1558 or +254 800 721 038 (Toll-free)
International Contact: +254 111 138 000
Email: customercare@kutrrh.go.ke.
Kayole II Subcounty Hospital
Set in Kayole South, opposite the Kayole DC’s Office in Embakasi, Kayole II Subcounty Hospital is a Ministry of Health public primary care hospital.
Kayole II Sub County Hospital serves a catchment area of 187,000 individuals, with 500 monthly child deliveries and an average of 500 daily patients. This Level-4 hospital is the fourth busiest public health institution in Nairobi.
As of 2021, the public health facility was operational with a 24-bed capacity and one baby cot. Kayole II Sub County Hospital provides round-the-clock emergency services to residents of Nairobi and its environs.
Some of the services include anti-retroviral therapy, family planning, consultancy, maternity care, home-based care, and in-patient services. Kayole II Sub County Hospital is NHIF-accredited and committed to offering primary healthcare services to the community.
Location: Kayole, Embakasi Constituency (opposite the Kayole DC’s Office).
NHIF Accredited: Yes
Contact: +254 41 2245770
Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital
Conveniently placed between Umoja-II and Komarock Estates in the Eastlands region of Nairobi, Mama Lucy Hospital primarily serves the residential and informal settlement areas at the junction of Kangundo Road and Kayole Spine Road.
Despite being in a populous area, the Level-5 public health facility offers 24-hour emergency services. It has modern healthcare facilities, including radiology equipment (MRI), an oxygen plant, a maternity wing, a pharmacy, a state-of-the-art laboratory, a life support machine, and ambulances.
Due to its medical staff’s dedication to offering quality healthcare, Mama Lucy Level-5 Hospital is a reliable choice for medical care in Nairobi. That’s not all. It accepts National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) financing.
Location: Umoja, Off Kangundo Road
NHIF Accredited: Yes
Contact: (+254) 0208022676
Email: info@mamalucykibakihospital.or.ke.
Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital
The Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital is Nairobi’s go-to public health facility for those seeking Psychiatric services.
Since it is the only public Psychiatric hospital in Kenya, Mathari Hospital specializes in neuropsychiatric services, research, and training in mental health.
Located near the Mathare region in Nairobi, this Level-6 tertiary hospital offers various mental health services, including psychological and physiological management, drug rehabilitation and treatment, child and adolescent mental health, forensic psychiatric services, radiology, and community psychiatric services.
With a bed capacity of over 600, Mathari Hospital is well-equipped to offer specialized care when needed. As an NHIF-accredited public health institution, Mathari Hospital ensures that mental health services are accessible to all.
Location: A2 Nairobi, Muthaiga, Thika Highway
NHIF Accredited: Yes
Contact: +2540202337694 | +254721336017
Email: matharireferral@gmail.com.
Kenya Defence Forces Memorial Hospital
The Kenya Defense Forces Memorial Hospital is a unique health facility in Nairobi that currently military personnel and their families. Run and sponsored by the Ministry of Defense. This military healthcare facility provides free health services for the armed forces personnel and other entitled beneficiaries.
While publicly funded, the military health institution is only available to military personnel and their families. However, the Cabinet Secretary for Defense has indicated that things might change, and the facility might soon start offering medical services to civilians as well.
Located in Nyayo Highrise, Mbagathi Way, this hospital is well-equipped to support the 15 armed forces on military operations.
Location: Nyayo Highrise Mbagathi Way, Mbagathi Way
NHIF Accredited: No
Contact: +254 20 2727610, 020 2731634
Email: mdddfmhlab@gmail.com.
National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital
If you are looking for specialized care related to spinal cord injuries, the National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital is the premier destination. Located along Lenana Road in Kilimani, Nairobi, this Level 6 hospital treats and manages spinal injuries.
Initially, the National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital was known as Amani Cheshire Home – named after the donor of the original structure.
With a rich history of World War II, this public hospital in Nairobi has evolved into a vital healthcare institution specializing in spinal injury care.
As an NHIF-accredited public healthcare hospital, the National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital ensures patients with spinal cord issues receive top-tier health care.
Location: Lenana Road, Kilimani
NHIF Accredited: Yes
Contact: (+254) 020 2726336
Email: nsihospital@yahoo.com.