Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi
A Pillar of Health Excellence: Dedicated to advancing healthcare through compassionate care, cutting-edge research, and unwavering commitment to quality in East Africa.
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About AKUH, Nairobi
An Esteemed Institution
The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Nairobi, established in 1958, stands as a prominent 300-bed long-term care facility. It is renowned for providing comprehensive general medical services, specialized clinics, and advanced diagnostic capabilities. The hospital serves as a critical referral center for complex medical and diagnostic needs across the region.
Vision and Mission
Founded by His Highness Aga Khan IV, the hospital is committed to delivering a broad spectrum of secondary and tertiary care. This includes precise disease diagnosis and integrated, team-based patient management. AKUH, Nairobi also extends its commitment to patient well-being through its Home Care services, available in Nairobi since 2024.
Regional Impact
AKUH, Nairobi plays a pivotal role in the healthcare landscape of East Africa. It consistently receives referrals from numerous hospitals and clinics, underscoring its reputation for specialized medical expertise and advanced treatment modalities. Its affiliation with the Aga Khan University further strengthens its academic and research contributions.
Leadership & Operations
Current Leadership
The hospital is currently led by CEO Rashid Khalani, who previously held the position of Chief Finance Officer within the institution. His leadership guides the strategic direction and operational efficiency of AKUH, Nairobi.
Past Leadership
The hospital has benefited from experienced leadership throughout its history. Notable past CEOs include Shawn Bolouki, who served from 2014 to February 2022, and Asmita Gillani, who led the institution from 2006 to November 2014.
Digital Transformation
In a significant move towards enhanced efficiency and data-driven insights, AKUH, Nairobi transitioned to a fully paperless system in October 2023. The adoption of an Electronic Health Records (EHR) system ensures interoperability across its facilities and provides valuable data for research and policy development.
Comprehensive Care Offerings
Emergency & Critical Care
Providing immediate and advanced care for acute medical conditions and emergencies, ensuring timely intervention when it matters most.
Diagnostic & Laboratory Services
State-of-the-art diagnostic imaging and laboratory testing capabilities to support accurate and timely diagnoses.
Surgical & Medical Specialties
A wide array of specialized medical and surgical services delivered by expert clinicians across numerous disciplines.
Women's & Paediatric Health
Dedicated services focusing on the unique healthcare needs of women and children, from routine care to complex treatments.
Home Care
Extending the hospital's reach into the community, offering professional medical support and care within patients' homes.
Dental & Eye Care
Specialized outpatient services for comprehensive dental and ophthalmological care.
Advancing Medical Knowledge
Clinical Research Unit
Established in November 2020, the Clinical Research Unit, directed by Professor Mansoor Saleh, is dedicated to advancing cancer research within the East and Central Africa region. This unit spearheads critical studies aimed at improving patient outcomes.
Cancer Drug Trials
AKUH, Nairobi, through its Clinical Research Unit, has been instrumental in conducting clinical trials for novel cancer drugs. Notably, it was selected as the sole African site for a significant international study, highlighting its capabilities in cutting-edge pharmaceutical research.
Data-Driven Insights
The hospital's commitment to digital transformation extends to research. The integration of Electronic Health Records facilitates the generation of robust data, which is crucial for driving research initiatives and informing healthcare policy both within the hospital and across the wider medical community.
Commitment to Quality Standards
International Recognition
AKUH, Nairobi holds prestigious accreditations demonstrating its adherence to global standards of patient care and safety. This includes Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, first achieved in 2013 and reaccredited in 2022, signifying excellence in healthcare delivery.
Centers of Excellence
The hospital boasts recognized Centers of Excellence for the management of critical conditions. These include heart attack management (accredited 2020, reaccredited 2023) and acute primary stroke care (accredited 2021, reaccredited 2024), reflecting specialized expertise and advanced protocols.
Laboratory Excellence
The hospital's laboratory services are recognized globally, holding accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP) since 2018 and South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) certification under ISO 15189:2022 standards. It also maintains ISO 9001:2015 certification.
Strategic Funding & Support
Research Grants
In February 2025, AKUH, Nairobi secured a $100,000 grant from AstraZeneca to support a vital study on breast cancer care, underscoring its role in advancing oncological research.
Public Health Initiatives
In August 2022, the hospital received a Kshs. 950 million grant from the German Government to bolster the COVID-19 vaccination campaign across East Africa and strengthen the regional public health infrastructure.
Infrastructure Development
In 2022, AKUH, Nairobi, along with other Aga Khan hospitals in East Africa, received a 2.3 million Euros grant from Proparco. This funding was allocated to enhance oxygen infrastructure and support patient care, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pandemic Response
The hospital was among the beneficiaries of a Ksh 720 million grant in 2020, aimed at bolstering COVID-19 protection measures and diagnostic capabilities within the healthcare system.
Pioneering Medical Services
Lipid Clinic
In February 2025, AKUH, Nairobi launched the nation's first dedicated clinic for cholesterol disorders, marking a significant step in managing cardiovascular health risks.
Neurointerventional Surgery
Since 2015, the hospital has offered advanced Neurointerventional surgery, a specialized field previously limited to only a few countries in Africa, providing less invasive treatment options for neurological conditions.
Advanced Imaging
AKUH, Nairobi was the first institution in the East and Central Africa region to acquire a PET CT scanner and cyclotron, significantly enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning for complex diseases like cancer.
Milestones & Recognition
Foundational Years
Established in 1958, AKUH, Nairobi has grown from its initial founding to become a leading healthcare institution, consistently expanding its services and capabilities over the decades.
Notable Achievements
In 2024, the hospital received the National Energy Globe Award for its innovative Biomass Boiler Project, recognizing its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Community Support
In 2016, the hospital provided free cancer treatment to 400 Ugandan patients when their country's sole radiotherapy machine was non-operational, demonstrating profound commitment to regional health equity.
Medical Breakthroughs
The hospital achieved a regional first by conducting the first penile implant procedure in East and Central Africa in February 2022. Additionally, in 2024, actress Jenifer Lewis publicly lauded the hospital for the life-saving care she received following a severe accident.
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