Kenya is on the brink of a major healthcare breakthrough as the East African Kidney Institute (EAKI) in Nairobi nears completion of a project set to revolutionize kidney care not just for the country, but for the entire region.
Rising next to Kenyatta National Hospital, EAKI is set to become the region’s premier Centre of Excellence for kidney and urology care.
The modern facility will house 160 beds, including 10 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, 9 HDU beds, along 28 dialysis machines. The institute is designed to offer world-class treatment for kidney disease, including life-saving kidney transplants right here at home.
But this is more than just a hospital. EAKI is also being developed as a top-tier training and research hub in partnership with the University of Nairobi.
It will equip the next generation of nephrology and urology specialists with the skills needed to address growing demand across East Africa, closing a long-standing gap in specialized care.
During a site inspection, Principal Secretary for medical services Dr. Ouma Oluga praised the progress and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to completing the project on schedule.
“President William Ruto is personally keen on fast-tracking the commissioning of the facility, recognizing its importance in reducing pressure on Kenyatta National and expanding access to life-saving treatment for patients with kidney disease,” he noted.
The institute is part of a wider initiative by the East African Community (EAC) to strengthen health systems across the region through specialized Centres of Excellence.
Once operational, EAKI will serve as both a referral hospital and training ground for health professionals from across East Africa, reinforcing regional collaboration in tackling non-communicable diseases.
EAKI supports Kenya’s vision for Universal Health Coverage (UHC), bringing hope to thousands of patients who have waited years for affordable and accessible kidney care.
For many, this means an end to expensive referrals abroad, long waiting lists, and delayed treatments.
For thousands battling chronic kidney disease, the nearing completion of EAKI signals the beginning of faster, more affordable treatment options.
The nearing completion of the East African Kidney Institute is more than just an infrastructure milestone; it’s a turning point in regional healthcare.
It shows what’s possible when policy, vision, and investment come together with the goal of saving lives.
As doors prepare to open, EAKI is set to become a symbol of
progress, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to ensuring that quality,
specialized healthcare is not a luxury, but a right accessible to all.
