Jayesh Saini is a name that resonates across Kenya’s healthcare sector. As the founder and CEO of Bliss Healthcare, he has built an empire that spans hospitals, pharmaceutical firms, and diagnostic centers. His ventures have provided accessible medical care to millions, establishing him as a healthcare mogul in East Africa.
However, Saini’s rise has not been without challenges. His name has surfaced in high-profile corruption scandals, controversial government contracts, and legal battles, making him one of the most scrutinized business figures in Kenya.
This article explores Jayesh Saini’s journey—his business empire, contributions to healthcare, and the controversies that continue to follow him.
From Family Legacy to Healthcare Powerhouse
A Father’s Influence
Jayesh Saini’s business acumen was shaped by his father, Dr. Umesh Saini, a pioneering medical investor from India. In the 1980s, Dr. Saini migrated to Kenya, where he founded Nairobi West Hospital—Kenya’s first private hospital.
His father’s vision and entrepreneurial spirit played a crucial role in Jayesh’s career. Observing the challenges of Kenya’s healthcare system, Saini realized the untapped potential of private-sector investment in affordable, high-quality medical care.
Building an East African Healthcare Empire
Jayesh Saini’s strategic investments have reshaped Kenya’s healthcare landscape. His companies operate hospitals, outpatient centers, pharmaceutical firms, and diagnostic labs, employing thousands of medical professionals.
1. Bliss Healthcare
- Established in 2012, Bliss Healthcare is now Kenya’s largest outpatient medical network.
- 65+ medical centers across 37 counties.
- 80,000 patients served monthly.
- 4,000+ employees, including doctors, nurses, and specialists.
- State-of-the-art facilities: CT scans, ultrasounds, X-rays, dental, and optical units.
Bliss Healthcare has bridged the gap in affordable outpatient care, serving middle- and low-income Kenyans who previously lacked access to specialized medical services.
2. LifeCare Hospitals
- Established in 2017, LifeCare Hospitals provides multi-specialty medical care in Kenya, Rwanda, Gabon, and Congo.
- Operates Level 5 Specialty Hospitals with modern surgical, maternity, and intensive care units.
- Expanding into tertiary care hospitals, outpatient centers, and medical training institutes.
3. Medicross Limited
- A chain of healthcare centers offering radiology, diagnostics, physiotherapy, and dental care.
- Operates 11 locations nationwide.
- Focuses on early disease detection and specialized outpatient services.
4. Dinlas Pharma EPZ Limited
- A $30 million pharmaceutical manufacturing firm, supplying medical drugs across Africa.
- Collaborates with 20+ pharmacy chains.
- One of the leading suppliers of affordable medication in Kenya and East Africa.
Through these companies, Saini has built a healthcare empire that touches every aspect of the medical industry—from treatment and diagnostics to drug manufacturing and hospital management.
The Controversies: Business Success Meets Legal Battles
Despite his contributions to healthcare, Saini’s career has been marred by accusations of corruption, fraud, and secretive government dealings. His name has appeared in some of Kenya’s biggest financial and political scandals.
1. The KES 120 Million Spyware Scandal
One of the most recent controversies involves allegations that Saini worked with senior Kenyan government officials to procure surveillance software used to:
- Monitor opposition figures.
- Spy on Kenyan citizens.
- Manage President William Ruto’s communications.
The case, which is currently in court, has fueled public outrage over potential government overreach and privacy violations.
2. The 2012 NHIF Scandal – KES 4.2 Billion Fraud
In 2012, Jayesh Saini’s company, Clinix Healthcare, was implicated in the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) civil servants medical cover scandal.
- Clinix allegedly received KES 91.3 million for clinics that did not exist.
- The scandal led to parliamentary inquiries and public protests over misuse of taxpayer funds.
- Though Saini denied wrongdoing, the case severely damaged his reputation.
3. The COVID-19 Vaccine Scandal
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Saini’s Dinlas Pharma was involved in importing Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine under controversial circumstances.
- The vaccine was allegedly sold at inflated prices.
- Linked to a broader scheme involving Emirati royal Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook al-Maktoum.
- The deal sparked accusations that Saini exploited a public health crisis for profit.
4. The JKIA-Adani Controversy
In 2023, activist Nelson Amenya accused Saini of being a key player in a secret deal to privatize Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
- The deal involved Adani Airports Holdings, a controversial Indian conglomerate.
- Allegations surfaced that bribes were paid to senior Kenyan officials to secure a 30-year management contract.
- The case damaged public trust in Kenya’s infrastructure projects.
5. The KEMSA Fake Drugs Scandal
One of Saini’s companies, Gesto Pharmaceuticals Limited, was accused of supplying counterfeit drugs to the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).
- The scandal exposed weaknesses in Kenya’s pharmaceutical regulation.
- Raised concerns about corrupt medical supply contracts.
6. Accusations of Medical Equipment Monopoly
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accused a “single Asian businessman” of monopolizing Kenya’s medical equipment supply.
- The remarks were widely believed to be directed at Saini.
- He was accused of locking out Kenyan businesses from lucrative government contracts.
A Legacy of Success and Scandal
Despite these legal challenges, Saini’s contributions to Kenya’s healthcare sector remain significant. His companies have: ✔ Expanded access to medical care across the country.
✔ Provided thousands of jobs in the healthcare industry.
✔ Invested in cutting-edge medical technology to improve diagnosis and treatment.
However, his reputation as a healthcare tycoon is shadowed by allegations of fraud, bribery, and government collusion.
What’s Next for Jayesh Saini?
As Kenya’s government continues its anti-corruption crackdown, the outcome of Saini’s legal battles could determine his future. If found guilty, he could face massive fines, business restrictions, or even jail time.
But if he emerges unscathed, he will continue expanding his influence in healthcare and pharmaceuticals—and likely remain one of Kenya’s most controversial billionaires.
Final Thoughts
Jayesh Saini embodies the complex nature of business success in Africa—where entrepreneurial ambition collides with political intrigue and legal scrutiny.
His story is one of resilience, risk-taking, and controversy. Whether he will be remembered as a healthcare pioneer or a businessman who exploited the system remains to be seen.
What is clear, however, is that his impact on Kenya’s healthcare industry—both positive and controversial—will not be forgotten anytime soon.
