Kenyatta National Hospital Hosts Advanced Bronchoscopy Training to Strengthen Respiratory Care in Kenya

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) this week became the epicenter of advanced respiratory care training as specialists from KNH, Nagasaki University, and Medics Can–African Asia Health Dynamics led a three-day intensive bronchoscopy training from January 20th to 22nd, 2026.

Under the leadership of Dr. Wanjiku Kagima, the initiative brought together a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, physicians, nurses, and biomedical engineers from major referral hospitals across Kenya, including Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, and Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital.

The hands-on training focused on advanced bronchoscopy techniques, including Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS), with participants already performing two successful procedures under expert supervision—a significant achievement in applied learning.

“This is more than a training; it is a step toward building healthier communities across Kenya,” Dr. Kagima said. “By strengthening diagnostic and procedural capacity in our referral hospitals, we are ensuring patients can access advanced care close to home, reducing the need for long and costly referrals.”

Central to the training is the newly developed Kenya Bronchoscopy Manual, a joint effort between KNH and Nagasaki University aimed at standardizing procedures and elevating the quality of respiratory care nationwide. The manual is expected to improve outcomes in the diagnosis and management of critical conditions such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, asthma, and lung cancer.

The collaboration emphasizes mentorship, practical experience, and knowledge sharing, aligning with Kenya’s broader goal of Universal Health Coverage. By equipping medical teams with specialized skills and standardized protocols, the program ensures that advanced diagnostic and therapeutic respiratory services are accessible in multiple regions.

“The impact of this training will be felt directly by patients,” said a KNH spokesperson. “Families no longer need to travel long distances for specialized respiratory care. Precision diagnostics and expert treatment are becoming a reality in their own hospitals.”

This initiative represents a powerful model of cross-institutional collaboration, blending international expertise with local leadership to advance healthcare in Kenya. Participants left the training better equipped, confident, and committed to bringing state-of-the-art respiratory care to their communities.

As Kenya continues to strengthen its healthcare system, programs like this demonstrate that capacity building, mentorship, and innovation are key to creating a healthier, more resilient nation.