Patients in need of kidney transplant surgeries in Kenya will now benefit from subsidized treatment at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Nairobi, following a strategic partnership signed between the hospital and the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The initiative, which falls under Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme, aims to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients and improve access to life-saving medical procedures.
The landmark agreement was signed at the Aga Khan University’s Nairobi campus in the presence of Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale, AKUH CEO Rashid Khalani, and Aga Khan University Vice Chancellor Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin.
Under the terms of the partnership, the SHA will vet and approve patients who meet specific clinical eligibility criteria and demonstrate financial need. Once approved, patients will receive fully subsidized treatment—up to KES 700,000 per case—which will cover the transplant surgery and post-operative care as outlined in SHA’s national care package.“This partnership directly supports our commitment to Universal Health Coverage by making advanced medical care available to all Kenyans, regardless of their economic status,” said Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale during the signing ceremony. “By collaborating with institutions like Aga Khan University Hospital and leveraging mechanisms such as the Patient Welfare Program, we are expanding access to quality, life-saving care for vulnerable citizens.”
In addition to providing surgical services, AKUH will also ensure patients receive comprehensive aftercare in line with national clinical protocols. The hospital will maintain patient records, submit treatment invoices according to SHA guidelines, and provide regular progress reports, including data on treatment outcomes.
The agreement comes at a critical time when over 11,000 Kenyans travel abroad annually for specialized medical care. According to the Ministry of Health, Kenyans spent an estimated KES 14.7 billion on overseas treatment in the past year alone—an indicator of the urgent need for locally accessible and affordable specialized care.
AKUH CEO Rashid Khalani hailed the partnership as a significant step toward equitable health access. “We are honoured to work with the Social Health Authority in this national effort.
This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering quality treatment with dignity to all patients, regardless of their economic status.”The partnership will be further bolstered by AKUH’s Patient Welfare Program, an annual revolving fund that supports patients unable to afford specialized care.
This initiative aligns with the hospital’s broader mission of social responsibility and equitable access to health services.The SHA, established under the Social Health Insurance Act, is the state agency tasked with implementing UHC through a mandatory national insurance scheme.
Since its inception, SHA has launched the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), accredited over 3,000 healthcare providers, and deployed a national benefits package covering promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services.
