Nairobi Hospital Reaffirms Stability with Sh1.5B Upgrade Drive

Nairobi Kenya 

Nairobi Hospital has moved to quash rumors of instability, unveiling Sh1.5 billion in self-funded infrastructure investments that include East Africa’s first bi-plane cardiac lab and artificial intelligence-powered CT scanners. The hospital also resolved a pricing dispute with insurers, assuring patients of uninterrupted access to care.

Felix Osano addressing the media on 18th August 2025

Chief Executive Officer Felix Osano emphasized that operations remain stable, with all salaries, supplier obligations, and investment projects running without disruption despite a pending court case with creditor Opticom Kenya Ltd. He cited a Sh190 million surplus in 2023 and a further Sh88 million surplus in the first quarter of 2024 as proof of financial resilience. Notably, all recent upgrades ; including six state-of-the-art maternity suites and a 256 slice CT scanner: have been financed internally without borrowing.

At the heart of recent tensions was a 5 percent tariff increase introduced in July, which triggered coverage suspensions by some insurers, among them Old Mutual and Britam. Following negotiations, the hospital reversed the hike and reinstated previous rates. 

“This goodwill gesture prioritizes patients without compromising care standards,” Osano said.

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Board Chair Dr. Barclay Onyambu acknowledged past governance lapses but pointed to reforms, tighter policies, and a recent High Court ruling lifting borrowing restrictions as evidence of a strengthened institution.

“Our legal win isn’t just procedural, it’s proof of institutional durability,” he remarked.

Among the flagship projects now operational are the bi-plane cardiac cath lab, which cuts heart surgery time from three hours to just 30 minutes, and an AI-driven CT scanner that accelerates cancer detection while reducing radiation exposure. The hospital has also launched a home blood collection service, priced at Sh200, targeting both corporate clients and vulnerable communities.

Reiterating its commitment to international standards, Nairobi Hospital highlighted its ISO certifications and pursuit of Joint Commission International accreditation. Last year alone, it invested Sh844 million in advanced medical equipment. With bed occupancy at 70 percent and more than 30 regional awards, Onyambu framed the hospital’s trajectory as one of resilience and renewed trust.

“Leadership means owning past missteps while delivering future-proof solutions,” he concluded.