Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has officially launched East Africa’s first AI-powered 256-slice CT scanner at The Nairobi Hospital, marking a major breakthrough in Kenya’s efforts to modernize diagnostic healthcare.
Speaking during the unveiling on Sunday, CS Duale praised the innovation as a transformative step forward, highlighting Kenya’s growing role in embracing medical technology to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes.
“This moment signifies more than technological progress – it reflects our collective determination to revolutionize diagnostic medicine and improve health outcomes for all Kenyans,” said Duale.
The AI-powered scanner, which boasts high-speed, low-radiation, and ultra-precise imaging capabilities, is expected to enhance diagnosis across multiple specialties including cardiology, neurology, oncology, pediatrics, orthopedics, and trauma care. According to Duale, the state-of-the-art machine places Kenya and The Nairobi Hospital firmly on Africa’s map for medical innovation.
“With its capacity for high-speed, low-dose, and ultra-precise imaging, this machine will elevate care across specialties: cardiology, pediatrics, trauma, oncology, neurology, and orthopedics. It will help save lives by ensuring that patients receive the right diagnosis, at the right time, using the best available technology,” he said.
As part of the same event, the Ministry of Health signed a landmark Collaboration Framework with The Nairobi Hospital under the Social Health Authority (SHA). The partnership aims to widen access to specialized care for financially disadvantaged Kenyans, particularly in cancer and kidney-related illnesses.
Under the agreement, The Nairobi Hospital will offer fully subsidized oncology services such as intra-cavitary brachytherapy, radio-iodine therapy, and CT planning. The facility has also committed to offering conformal radiotherapy at discounted rates for patients who meet SHA’s Means Testing Instrument criteria.
“Through this partnership, eligible patients will receive advanced oncology and renal care, including intra-cavitary brachytherapy, radio-iodine therapy and CT planning, at no out-of-pocket cost, with each SHA member entitled to a care package of up to KSh 550,000,” Duale announced.
Patients will also have access to comprehensive oncology services, including cancer screening, diagnostic tests and treatment such as brachytherapy (a form of internal radiation therapy) and radiotherapy.
The partnership further includes critical renal care services. Patients in financial need will receive free haemodialysis and subsidized kidney transplants, covering the entire treatment process from pre-op to post-op care.
Duale described the collaboration as a bold, people-centered move to ensure no Kenyan is denied life-saving care due to financial barriers.
“This collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the Social Health Authority (SHA), and The Nairobi Hospital is a bold testament to that ethos.,” he stated. “By working together, we ensure that eligible SHA patients many of whom face catastrophic financial risk can now access advanced oncology and renal care at subsidized, SHA-approved tariffs.”
CS Duale also called attention to the urgent need to reduce medical tourism. “In 2024 alone, more than 11,000 Kenyans traveled abroad for treatment, costing the country KSh14.7 billion. We must bring care home,” he stressed.
Addressing recent strikes in the health sector, Duale assured the public that the 2025/26 national budget has set aside funds to settle pending salary arrears and enforce return-to-work agreements. He encouraged medical professionals and union leaders to pursue dialogue and unity, emphasizing that a collaborative approach is essential to strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system.
