Kenya’s Public Hospitals Acquire Sh9.8 Billion in Medical Equipment with No Upfront Costs
Public hospitals in Kenya receive Sh9.8 billion worth of advanced medical equipment under a new programme with no upfront payments from national or county governments.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 18, 2026
3 min read
Kenya's public hospitals have been equipped with medical devices valued at approximately Sh9.8 billion through the National Equipment Programme, a government initiative that eliminates the need for upfront payments by both national and county governments.
Speaking at the Kenya Health Summit in Nairobi, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga highlighted that this programme has significantly increased access to diagnostic, surgical, and specialised treatment services across public health facilities.
Equipment and Services Deployed
- 52 digital X-ray machines
- 72 ultrasound machines
- 6 mammography units
- 39 CT scanners
- Installation of 157 laboratories worth over Sh2.3 billion
The programme also supports specialised medical fields such as urology, ENT, thoracic and cardiovascular care, plastic surgery, and cancer treatment, including the recent replacement of a linear accelerator (LINAC) machine. Two MRI machines are expected to be delivered by the end of August.
Innovative Financing and Maintenance Model
Dr Oluga explained that manufacturers retain responsibility for maintaining the equipment, ensuring about 98% uptime and reducing downtime due to breakdowns. This service-based model allows hospitals to focus on patient care while equipment maintenance is handled by suppliers.
President William Ruto noted that manufacturers also provide necessary consumables, with payments made through the Social Health Authority (SHA) based on services rendered to patients, rather than upfront capital expenditure.
Impact on Kenyatta National Hospital
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has seen a major boost in surgical capacity, expanding from 12 to 32 fully equipped operating theatres in four years. CEO Dr Richard Lesiyampe stated this expansion has reduced surgical waiting times, with emergency cases attended to within 24 hours and other patients treated within approximately two weeks.
KNH has also enhanced its diagnostic services with modern CT scanners and expanded cancer treatment capabilities, recently acquiring a new LINAC machine that enables treatment of about 200 patients daily. Plans are underway to add a third LINAC and a PET scan to further improve cancer care.
Under the programme, KNH has not paid upfront for equipment, including mammography machines, instead paying per operation performed. Over the past 18 months, KNH has received about Sh4.8 billion from SHA for patient services, covering around one million outpatients and 800,000 other patients.
Support for Other Facilities
Tenwek Hospital has also benefited, receiving approximately Sh2 billion from SHA out of Sh3 billion in claims. The reimbursements have enabled continued care for patients who might otherwise struggle to afford treatment. Tenwek is a leading cardiothoracic centre serving patients from 14 African countries.
Broader Healthcare Improvements
The National Equipment Programme is part of Kenya’s commitment to strengthening public healthcare by expanding access to modern technology and specialised services while reducing financial burdens on hospitals.
This innovative approach shifts maintenance and operational risks to manufacturers, ensuring equipment availability and improved patient outcomes without straining hospital budgets.
