Kenya Unveils East Africa’s First AI-Powered 256-Slice CT Scanner at The Nairobi Hospital

 

New era for diagnostic imaging and expanded access to specialized care under SHA partnership

Kenya took a major leap forward in medical innovation today as Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale commissioned East Africa’s first AI-powered 256-slice CT scanner at The Nairobi Hospital, marking a transformative milestone in diagnostic imaging and patient care.

The state-of-the-art scanner—designed for faster, more precise imaging at significantly lower radiation doses—positions Kenya at the cutting edge of healthcare technology on the African continent. With capabilities to support multiple medical specialties, the system is expected to drastically reduce diagnostic delays and improve outcomes for patients across the region.

“This AI-powered scanner is more than a machine—it’s a commitment to saving lives through innovation,” Hon. Duale said during the commissioning ceremony. “Today, Kenya signals to the world that we are ready to lead in health technology and patient-centered care.”

Alongside the unveiling, the CS announced a landmark partnership between the Ministry of Health, the Social Health Authority (SHA), and The Nairobi Hospital. The collaboration will expand access to advanced oncology and renal services for patients enrolled in SHA’s health financing program.

Eligible patients will benefit from subsidized services including brachytherapy, radio-iodine therapy, radiotherapy, haemodialysis, and kidney transplants—services that have historically been out of reach for many due to high costs.

Citing recent government data, Hon. Duale noted that over 11,000 Kenyans spent KES 14.7 billion seeking treatment abroad in 2024 alone. “This is unsustainable,” he emphasized. “We must build local capacity for the treatment of non-communicable diseases and reduce our reliance on foreign health systems.”

To support this goal, the CS confirmed that the 2025/26 national budget includes funding to resolve longstanding health workforce challenges, clear outstanding arrears, and fully implement Return-to-Work Agreements for medical professionals.

He lauded The Nairobi Hospital’s role in fostering equity in healthcare through its SHA collaboration, calling the initiative “a symbol of innovation, compassion, and national unity.”

The event drew a wide array of stakeholders, including Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services) and Ms. Mary Muthoni (Public Health), Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, The Nairobi Hospital CEO Mr. Felix Osano, Board Chair Dr. Barcley Onyambu, and representatives from the medical fraternity, development partners, and the private sector.

As Kenya pushes forward with Universal Health Coverage, today’s launch reaffirms the government’s focus on investing in advanced health infrastructure and strategic partnerships to ensure all Kenyans have access to world-class care.