Kenya has strengthened its capacity to diagnose and treat respiratory diseases with the launch of an advanced Bronchoscopy Training Programme at Kenyatta National Hospital.
The initiative was officiated on Tuesday by the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr Ouma Oluga.
The three-day programme is a partnership between the Ministry of Health, the University of Nagasaki and Kenyatta National Hospital.
It introduces modern bronchoscopy techniques that improve accuracy in diagnosing lung conditions and support timely medical intervention.
The training brings together doctors, nurses and technologists who will receive practical, hands-on instruction from local and international specialists.
Dr Oluga said the programme comes at a critical time, noting that Kenya continues to record a high burden of respiratory illnesses.
"Thousands of patients are treated every year for Tuberculosis, Pneumonia, Asthma and Lung Cancer. Many of these cases require specialised examination to guide proper treatment," he said.
“We are investing in skills that directly improve patient care,” Dr Oluga said.
“This training is focused on practical experience and mentorship. It supports our goal of developing a highly skilled and evenly distributed health workforce, which is central to the Universal Health Coverage agenda.”
He added that improved diagnostic capacity will reduce delays in identifying serious respiratory conditions.
This will allow clinicians to start treatment earlier and improve recovery outcomes for patients across the country.
Kenyatta National Hospital will serve as the host institution for the training programme.
The hospital aims to use the opportunity to strengthen its role as a regional centre of excellence in pulmonary care.
According to officials, KNH hopes to expand specialist respiratory training in the coming years and support new research on lung diseases.
The launch was attended by senior officials and international partners.
They included Dr Richard Lesiyampe, the Acting CEO of Kenyatta National Hospital, Ambassador Hiroshi Matsuura of Japan and Keitaro Matsumoto from Nagasaki University.
Each of them reaffirmed the importance of international collaboration in improving Kenya’s healthcare capacity.
Dr Oluga thanked the partners for supporting the programme.
He encouraged the trainees to maximise the opportunity, describing their participation as an investment that will have a direct impact on the lives of Kenyan patients.
“With better skills and better tools, we can build a healthier and more resilient nation,” he said.
What to know about bronchoscopy
According to the World Health Organization, bronchoscopy is an endoscopic procedure that allows clinicians to directly visualise the airways using a flexible tube equipped with a light and camera.
It is used to assess the trachea, bronchi and lung tissue, identify abnormalities such as infections, blockages or tumours, and collect samples for laboratory testing.
WHO notes that bronchoscopy is an important tool for diagnosing and managing respiratory diseases, especially conditions like Tuberculosis, pneumonia and lung cancer, where direct examination of the airways improves diagnostic accuracy.
In advanced cases, bronchoscopy can be used to remove foreign objects, clear mucus, deliver medication or guide other treatments.
The procedure is minimally invasive, usually takes a short time and is considered safe when performed by trained specialists.
Bronchoscopy provides detailed, real-time images that help doctors make accurate diagnoses and plan effective treatment for respiratory conditions.
