Palliative care has become an essential aspect of healthcare in Kenya as more people live with chronic or terminal illnesses. Families are increasingly seeking care that prioritizes comfort, dignity, and pain relief. This growing demand for palliative care has encouraged healthcare providers, mission hospitals, community groups, and government facilities to expand their services across the country.
Palliative care does not replace medical treatment but works alongside it, providing holistic support to patients and their families. This includes managing symptoms, offering emotional and spiritual guidance, and helping families navigate difficult health journeys. With the increasing need for such services, Kenya now boasts a variety of palliative care providers that ensure patients receive the essential comfort and support they deserve.
Understanding Palliative Care Providers in Kenya
Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with severe health conditions. Its core services include pain management, symptom relief, and emotional and family support. These services are offered through several different providers in Kenya, including free-standing hospices, community-based units, mission hospitals, government hospitals, and private healthcare facilities.
One of the main goals of palliative care is to support patients during their last stages of life. Hospice care, in particular, focuses on offering peace, dignity, and comfort to both the patient and their family, helping them make informed decisions in their final days.
Free Standing Hospices in Kenya
Free-standing hospices are independent institutions that specialize in palliative and hospice care. These facilities offer ongoing symptom management, counseling, and comfort care for patients who need regular follow-up. Below is a list of notable free-standing hospices in Kenya:
| Hospice | County | Contacts |
|---|---|---|
| Busia Hospice at Tanaka Nursing Home | Busia | 0729833045, 0714431802 |
| Catherine McAuley Hospice Muhoroni | Kisumu | 0729099123 |
| Coast Hospice | Mombasa | 0723471737 |
| Eldoret Hospice | Uasin Gishu | 0729840271 |
| Embu Mbeere Hospice | Embu | 0725284586 |
| Kisumu Hospice | Kisumu | 0722521459 |
| Laikipia Palliative Care Centre | Laikipia | 0716088381 |
| Meru Hospice | Meru | 0722604854 |
| Nairobi Hospice | Nairobi | 0732690077, 0110095788 |
| Nakuru Hospice | Nakuru | 0720854661 |
| Nyahururu Hospice | Laikipia | 0711215741 |
| Nyeri Hospice | Nyeri | 0723517294 |
| Siaya Roselyne Hospice | Siaya | 0723742343 |
| Taita Taveta Hospice | Taita Taveta | 0714678554 |
These hospices are vital in providing continuous care for patients who need long-term management and support.
Community and Faith-Based Palliative Care Units
Many community organizations and faith-based groups in Kenya offer palliative care services to rural families. These groups focus on home visits, educating communities, supporting caregivers, and providing symptom relief for patients unable to access hospital-based care. Below are some key community and faith-based units offering palliative care:
| Facility | County | Contacts |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer’s Dementia Organisation | Nairobi | 0723471096 |
| Embu Community Focus | Embu | 0722352861 |
| JACAN Health Promotions | Homabay | 0720698324 |
| Living Room International | Uasin Gishu | 0723491125 |
| Mokason Health Care | Kisii | 0708965475 |
| Nanyuki Cancer Support Group | Laikipia | 0718979433 |
| Oasis of Hope CBO | Kericho | 0726143083 |
| ONPACC Ongata Ngong | Kajiado | 0733809526 |
| Our Lady Hospice Thigio | Kiambu | 0736531603 |
| Rehema Hospice Ringa | Homabay | 0721625584 |
These centers are critical in offering care to families who require regular home visits and community-based support.
Mission and Government Palliative Care Units
Mission hospitals are key players in providing palliative care in Kenya. These hospitals combine clinical treatment with emotional and spiritual support, offering a comprehensive care experience. Government hospitals also run palliative care units, making these services more accessible to families across Kenya. Some of the mission hospitals with palliative care services include:
| Hospital | County | Contacts |
|---|---|---|
| AIC Kijabe Hospital | Kiambu | 0721623648 |
| AIC Litein Mission Hospital | Kericho | 0706000873 |
| Chogoria Hospital | Tharaka Nithi | 0704433162 |
| Cottolengo Mission Hospital | Meru | 0708446204 |
Government hospitals also play a crucial role in providing palliative care. Some examples of government-run palliative care units include:
| Facility | County | Contacts |
|---|---|---|
| KNH Palliative Care Unit | Nairobi | 0701797596 |
| MTRH Moi Teaching Hospital | Uasin Gishu | 0721606516 |
| Kericho County Referral Hospital | Kericho | 0704826887 |
Private Palliative Care Providers in Kenya
In addition to public and mission hospitals, several private hospitals in Kenya offer specialized palliative care services. Many private institutions have dedicated cancer care centers and in-patient hospices. Here are some of the private providers offering palliative care:
| Facility | County | Contacts |
|---|---|---|
| Aga Khan University Hospital | Nairobi | 0722676711 |
| Alexandria Cancer Centre | Eldoret/Nakuru | 0743909193 / 0722303869 |
| HCG CCK Cancer Centre MP Shah | Nairobi | 0789354953 |
| Gynocare Women and Fistula Hospital | Uasin Gishu | 0722426878 |
Where to Get Help and More Information
The Kenya Hospices and Palliative Care Association (KEHPCA) coordinates the majority of palliative care activities in Kenya. KEHPCA works to ensure that palliative care services are accessible and that providers receive proper training and support.
KEHPCA Contacts:
- Phone: 0722507219
- Email: [email protected]
- Location: Top Plaza, 2nd Floor, Kindaruma Road, Nairobi
