Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi is a private, not-for-profit tertiary teaching hospital providing emergency, specialist, surgical, diagnostic and inpatient healthcare in Kenya.
Located on Third Parklands Avenue near Limuru Road, the hospital serves patients from Kenya and the wider East African region. Its services include emergency medicine, cardiology, cancer treatment, neurology, surgery, maternity care, pediatrics, intensive care, diagnostic imaging and laboratory medicine.
The hospital is affiliated with Aga Khan University and combines patient care with medical education, specialist training and clinical research.
About Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi
Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi began operating in 1958 and has developed into one of Kenya’s leading referral and teaching hospitals.
The institution operates on a not-for-profit basis and reinvests its income in patient care, medical technology, facilities, education and research. It is part of the Aga Khan Development Network and serves as the principal teaching hospital for Aga Khan University’s Medical College in East Africa.
The main Parklands hospital has approximately 300 beds and receives patients requiring routine, specialist and highly complex medical treatment.
It also supports a network of outpatient medical centres that provide consultations, laboratory testing, pharmacy services, imaging and selected specialist clinics closer to where patients live and work.
Aga Khan University Hospital Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Hospital Name | Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi |
| Abbreviation | AKUH,N |
| Facility Type | Private not-for-profit tertiary teaching hospital |
| Established | 1958 |
| Affiliation | Aga Khan University |
| Network | Aga Khan Development Network |
| Bed Capacity | Approximately 300 beds |
| Chief Executive Officer | Rashid Khalani |
| Main Location | Third Parklands Avenue, off Limuru Road, Nairobi |
| Main Services | Emergency, specialist, surgical, diagnostic and inpatient care |
| Main Telephone | +254 111 011 888 |
| Alternative Telephone | +254 730 011 888 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | hospitals.aku.edu/nairobi |
Rashid Khalani was appointed chief executive officer in 2022 after previously serving as interim CEO and chief financial officer. Official hospital communications published in 2025 and 2026 continue to identify him as CEO.
International Accreditation
Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi was the first hospital in East Africa to receive Joint Commission International accreditation in 2013.
In December 2025, the hospital announced that it had achieved its fifth successive JCI accreditation. JCI assessments examine areas such as patient safety, clinical care, medication management, infection prevention, staff qualifications and hospital governance.
The hospital also holds specialized JCI Clinical Care Programme certifications for the treatment of heart attacks and primary stroke. Its primary stroke programme was successfully reaccredited in July 2024.
Its laboratory has accreditation from the College of American Pathologists and the South African National Accreditation System. These accreditations assess laboratory quality, testing procedures, competence and reliability.
Accreditation does not guarantee the result of an individual treatment, but it indicates that the hospital has undergone independent assessment against recognized quality and patient-safety standards.
Emergency and Trauma Care
The Accident and Emergency Department operates 24 hours a day and provides care for adults and children with serious injuries, sudden illnesses and other urgent medical conditions.
Emergency services include:
- Initial assessment and stabilization
- Trauma care
- Emergency medical consultations
- Resuscitation
- Pediatric emergency care
- Chest-pain assessment
- Stroke assessment
- Emergency imaging
- Emergency laboratory testing
- Admission or specialist referral
Adult Accident and Emergency
Telephone: +254 20 366 2021 or 2028
Mobile: +254 735 984 792
Pediatric Accident and Emergency
Telephone: +254 20 366 2031
Mobile: +254 731 009 297
The hospital also publishes E-Plus ambulance contacts as 0700 395 395 and 0738 395 395.
Anyone facing a serious medical emergency should contact emergency services immediately rather than relying on ordinary appointment channels.
Cardiology and Heart Care
Aga Khan University Hospital provides diagnostic, medical, interventional and surgical services for heart and circulatory conditions.
Its cardiology services may include:
- Heart consultations
- Electrocardiograms
- Echocardiography
- Cardiac monitoring
- Angiography
- Angioplasty
- Cardiac catheterization
- Heart-rhythm management
- Open-heart surgery
- Cardiac rehabilitation
- Emergency chest-pain assessment
The hospital’s heart-attack programme holds JCI Clinical Care Programme certification, reflecting independent evaluation of its systems for managing acute cardiac cases.
Patients should confirm whether they require a referral, appointment, prior insurance authorization or previous medical records before attending a specialist clinic.
Cancer Centre and Oncology Services
The Aga Khan University Cancer Centre provides diagnostic and treatment services for different forms of cancer.
Available care may include:
- Cancer screening
- Medical oncology
- Radiation oncology
- Surgical oncology
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Pathology testing
- Diagnostic imaging
- Supportive and palliative care
- Multidisciplinary treatment planning
In March 2026, the hospital announced the introduction of advanced TrueBeam radiation-therapy technology. The system is intended to deliver highly targeted radiotherapy while reducing unnecessary exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
The appropriate form of treatment depends on the cancer type, stage, pathology results, patient health and recommendations from the multidisciplinary medical team.
Neurology, Neurosurgery and Stroke Care
The hospital provides medical and surgical care for conditions affecting the brain, spine and nervous system.
Services may include treatment for:
- Stroke
- Epilepsy
- Brain and spinal tumors
- Head injuries
- Movement disorders
- Nerve disorders
- Spine conditions
- Neurological emergencies
Aga Khan University Hospital became the first hospital in Africa to receive JCI Clinical Care Programme certification for acute primary-stroke management in 2021 and was reaccredited in July 2024.
Stroke is an emergency. Patients with sudden facial weakness, arm weakness, speech difficulty or loss of coordination require immediate assessment.
Surgery and Critical Care
Aga Khan University Hospital provides general and specialist surgical services supported by operating theatres, intensive-care facilities and diagnostic departments.
Surgical specialties may include:
- General surgery
- Cardiothoracic surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic surgery
- Urological surgery
- Gynecological surgery
- Pediatric surgery
- Cancer surgery
- Ear, nose and throat surgery
- Reconstructive and other specialist procedures
The hospital also provides intensive-care and high-dependency services for patients who require close monitoring or advanced organ support.
Admission, theatre and specialist fees vary according to the procedure, consultant, length of stay, required equipment and level of critical care.
Maternity and Women’s Health
The hospital provides maternity, obstetric and gynecological services for women at different stages of life.
Services may include:
- Antenatal care
- Pregnancy monitoring
- Labor and delivery
- Cesarean delivery
- High-risk pregnancy care
- Postnatal care
- Gynecology consultations
- Fertility-related assessment
- Family planning
- Newborn support
Maternity costs depend on the delivery method, room category, consultant, medical complications and level of newborn care required.
Expectant parents should request a current maternity estimate and confirm what their medical insurer or SHA benefit will cover.
Pediatric and Neonatal Care
Aga Khan University Hospital provides medical and surgical care for infants, children and adolescents.
Its pediatric services include general consultations, emergency care, specialist clinics, inpatient treatment and neonatal support.
The hospital has a dedicated pediatric Accident and Emergency service, with separate emergency contact numbers for children.
Parents seeking neonatal or pediatric intensive care should contact the hospital directly to confirm current bed availability and referral procedures.
Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology
The Radiology Department provides imaging services used in diagnosis, treatment planning and follow-up care.
Depending on clinical requirements, available services may include:
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
- Mammography
- CT scans
- MRI
- PET-CT
- Interventional radiology
- Emergency imaging
Emergency radiology is available 24 hours a day, including weekends and public holidays. Scheduled radiology services generally operate from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays.
Radiology bookings:
Telephone: +254 20 366 2601 or 1096
Mobile: +254 711 092 601
PET-CT inquiries:
Telephone: +254 20 366 1089
Mobile: +254 780 428 473
Laboratory and Pathology Services
The hospital’s pathology and laboratory department supports routine testing, specialist diagnosis, cancer care, surgery and emergency treatment.
Laboratory services may include:
- Blood tests
- Microbiology
- Histopathology
- Cytology
- Molecular testing
- Blood transfusion services
- Cancer-related testing
- Point-of-care testing
The laboratory holds both CAP and SANAS accreditation. In July 2026, the hospital announced further SANAS recognition covering point-of-care testing standards.
Some tests require fasting, an appointment, a referral form or special preparation.
Home-Based Care
The hospital offers home-based healthcare for eligible patients within supported locations in Nairobi.
Depending on the patient’s needs and location, home-care services may include:
- Nursing care
- Doctor consultations
- Follow-up after discharge
- Medication support
- Wound care
- Rehabilitation
- Laboratory sample collection
- Chronic-disease monitoring
Home care is not a replacement for emergency treatment. Patients experiencing severe or rapidly worsening symptoms should use the emergency department.
Outpatient Medical Centres
Aga Khan University Hospital operates outpatient medical centres in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya.
These centres provide more convenient access to selected services, which may include:
- General consultations
- Specialist clinics
- Laboratory tests
- Pharmacy services
- Imaging
- Dental care
- Health screening
- Chronic-disease management
Typical published hours for some outpatient centres are:
| Day | Typical Hours |
| Monday to Friday | 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
| Sunday | Hours vary by centre |
The hospital’s official outpatient-centre page lists weekday hours of 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for selected Nairobi locations.
Hours and services differ between centres. Patients should confirm the relevant clinic schedule before visiting.
Patient Referral Services
Aga Khan University Hospital accepts referrals from doctors, clinics and hospitals in Kenya and other countries.
The Patient Referral Office assists with:
- Specialist appointments
- Medical-document review
- Referral coordination
- Treatment planning
- Admission arrangements
- International-patient support
Patient Referral Office:
Mobile: +254 733 889 933
Email: [email protected]
Patients should send medical information only through official hospital channels and avoid posting sensitive health records publicly.
SHA and Medical Insurance
Aga Khan University Hospital works with the Social Health Authority for specified services and also accepts selected private medical-insurance schemes.
In 2025, the hospital and SHA signed an agreement allowing eligible patients to access specified advanced procedures, particularly kidney transplants and heart surgery, under Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage programme. Eligibility and authorization requirements apply.
Patients should not assume that SHA automatically covers every consultation, admission, operation or medicine at the hospital.
Before receiving planned treatment, confirm:
- Whether the service is covered
- Whether prior authorization is required
- Whether a referral is necessary
- Whether the consultant is included
- Whether diagnostic tests and medication are covered
- Whether a co-payment applies
- Whether the selected room category is included
Private-insurance customers should also confirm that Aga Khan University Hospital and the relevant specialist are included in their policy’s provider network.
The original reference to NHIF coverage for civil servants in job groups L to T is outdated and should not appear in a current listing.
Main Hospital Opening Hours
The main Parklands hospital operates continuously for emergency and inpatient services.
| Day | Main Hospital Availability |
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Specialist clinics, administrative offices, scheduled diagnostics and outpatient centres follow separate timetables.
Visiting Hours
Visiting arrangements can change because of infection-control requirements, ward activity or an individual patient’s medical condition.
Visitors should contact the hospital before relying on previously published schedules, particularly for:
- Intensive-care units
- High-dependency units
- Maternity wards
- Neonatal units
- Pediatric wards
- Isolation rooms
The hospital may limit visitor numbers, visit duration or access for children.
Aga Khan University Hospital Contact Details
Main Hospital
Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi
Third Parklands Avenue, off Limuru Road
Parklands, Nairobi, Kenya
Postal Address
P.O. Box 30270-00100
Nairobi, Kenya
Main Telephone Numbers
+254 111 011 888
+254 730 011 888
Website
hospitals.aku.edu/nairobi
These are the current general contacts published by the hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi located?
The hospital is located on Third Parklands Avenue, off Limuru Road, in Parklands, Nairobi.
Is Aga Khan Hospital open 24 hours?
The main hospital provides 24-hour emergency and inpatient services. Specialist clinics and outpatient medical centres have separate opening hours.
How do I contact Aga Khan Hospital Nairobi?
Call +254 111 011 888 or +254 730 011 888. The general email address is [email protected].
What is the Aga Khan Hospital emergency number?
Adult Accident and Emergency can be reached on +254 735 984 792. Pediatric emergency care can be reached on +254 731 009 297.
Is Aga Khan University Hospital JCI accredited?
Yes. The Nairobi hospital received its fifth successive Joint Commission International accreditation in 2025. It first achieved JCI accreditation in 2013.
Is the hospital laboratory accredited?
Yes. The laboratory holds accreditation from the College of American Pathologists and the South African National Accreditation System.
Does Aga Khan Hospital accept SHA?
The hospital has an agreement with SHA covering specified advanced procedures for eligible patients, including kidney transplants and heart surgeries. Patients should confirm authorization and coverage before treatment.
Does Aga Khan Hospital provide cancer treatment?
Yes. The Aga Khan University Cancer Centre provides cancer diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and multidisciplinary care.
Does the hospital perform open-heart surgery?
Yes. Its cardiac programme provides interventional and surgical heart care, subject to medical assessment and specialist recommendations.
Does Aga Khan Hospital have outpatient centres?
Yes. The hospital operates outpatient medical centres offering selected consultations, diagnostics, pharmacy and specialist services.
Who is the CEO of Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi?
Rashid Khalani is the hospital’s chief executive officer. Current official communications published in 2026 continue to identify him in that role.
Why Patients Choose Aga Khan University Hospital
Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi combines specialist treatment, emergency care, modern diagnostics, medical education and clinical research within one institution.
Its main strengths include:
- Twenty-four-hour emergency services
- More than 60 specialist and subspecialist services
- Advanced cardiac and cancer treatment
- JCI-accredited hospital systems
- CAP- and SANAS-accredited laboratory services
- Certified stroke and heart-attack programmes
- Specialist medical training
- Outpatient medical centres
- Regional patient-referral services
- Home-based healthcare
Patients should request a cost estimate, confirm insurance or SHA authorization and check specialist availability before planned treatment.
For urgent medical care, contact the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department or visit the Parklands campus immediately.
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