Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has officially commissioned East Africa’s first AI-powered 256-slice CT scanner at The Nairobi Hospital, marking a groundbreaking advancement in diagnostic technology and access to specialized healthcare services in Kenya.
Speaking at the launch, CS Duale hailed the milestone as a powerful symbol of Kenya’s ambition to revolutionize diagnostic medicine and deliver equitable, world-class care to all citizens. “This moment signifies more than technological progress—it reflects our collective determination to transform diagnostic medicine and improve health outcomes for all Kenyans,” he said.
The Siemens SOMATOM Drive 256-slice CT scanner, now operational at The Nairobi Hospital, delivers high-speed, low-dose, ultra-precise imaging for a wide range of clinical specialties including cardiology, oncology, neurology, pediatrics, trauma, and orthopedics.
It is the first of its kind in the region, positioning Kenya as a continental leader in medical innovation.To complement the scanner’s commissioning, the Ministry of Health signed a Collaboration Framework Agreement with The Nairobi Hospital under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The partnership aims to expand access to subsidized cancer and renal care for financially vulnerable patients.
Under the agreement, The Nairobi Hospital will offer fully subsidized oncology services such as intra-cavitary brachytherapy, radio-iodine therapy, and CT-based radiotherapy planning.
Additionally, conformal radiotherapy will be provided at SHA-subsidized rates to eligible patients based on the Means Testing Instrument.
The hospital will also provide comprehensive renal care, covering full haemodialysis services and subsidized kidney transplantation, including pre-operative and post-operative support.“This collaboration is a bold testament to our shared commitment to Universal Health Coverage. “Thousands of Kenyans facing catastrophic financial risk can now access quality oncology and renal services at SHA-approved tariffs,” he said
Duale also stressed the urgency of localizing chronic disease care, revealing that over 11,000 Kenyans traveled abroad for treatment in 2024 at a cost of KSh 14.7 billion. “We must bring care home,” he emphasized.
Addressing the ongoing unrest in the health sector, Duale assured that the 2025/26 national budget includes allocations to settle outstanding arrears and support implementation of return-to-work agreements.
He urged healthcare workers and unions to embrace dialogue and partnership in advancing healthcare reforms. The commissioning of the AI-powered CT scanner and the new SHA partnership mark a major step forward in Kenya’s efforts to deliver accessible, affordable, and high-quality care for all.
