Kenya,Aga Khan Hospital Deal to Offer Free Kidney and Heart Surgeries

In a major boost to Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) efforts, the Ministry of Health, through the Social Health Authority (SHA), has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH), to provide fully subsidized kidney and cardiac surgeries for eligible Kenyans.

The agreement, signed at the Aga Khan University’s Nairobi campus, was officiated by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and AKUH CEO Rashid Khalani, and witnessed by University Vice Chancellor Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin.

“This collaboration is a significant milestone in our commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage,” said CS Duale. “No Kenyan should be forced into poverty to access life-saving procedures. This partnership ensures that those in need will get timely, quality care without financial strain.”

Under the deal, SHA will assess and approve patients for surgery, covering costs up to KSh 700,000, including post-operative care. Patients who require additional support beyond this cap will be assisted through AKUH’s Patient Welfare Program.

AKUH will provide all surgical and follow-up care in line with national standards and will also submit regular treatment outcome reports to SHA.

“We are honoured to partner with SHA to expand access to specialised surgeries,” said Khalani. “Our commitment is to deliver quality healthcare with dignity to every patient, regardless of their economic background.”

This partnership comes amid rising cases of non-communicable diseases in Kenya, which have burdened households and contributed to increased medical tourism. Data from the Ministry of Health shows over 11,000 Kenyans seek treatment abroad annually.

The initiative underscores the government’s drive to reduce out-of-pocket health expenditures and strengthen local capacity to manage complex conditions.

“This is not just about healthcare it’s about justice and dignity for all Kenyans,” Duale affirmed.Tools

By Sharon Atieno