The Nairobi Hospital is a private, not-for-profit hospital providing emergency, diagnostic, surgical, specialist and inpatient healthcare from its main campus in Upper Hill, Nairobi.
Established in 1954, the hospital is owned by the Kenya Hospital Association and has developed into a major referral facility serving patients from Kenya and other countries in East Africa.
Its clinical services include emergency medicine, critical care, surgery, oncology, cardiology, maternity care, pediatrics, diagnostic imaging, laboratory medicine and rehabilitation.
About The Nairobi Hospital
The Nairobi Hospital was officially opened on April 9, 1954, following its establishment by the Kenya Hospital Association.
The hospital began with a relatively small inpatient facility and later expanded its bed capacity, specialist departments and outpatient network. Its history page currently describes a large hospital campus supported by six outpatient centres and a global medical-evacuation centre.
The institution operates on a not-for-profit basis. Revenue generated from patient services is used to support hospital operations, clinical programmes, infrastructure, technology and professional training.
The hospital is also associated with the Cicely McDonell College of Health Sciences, which traces its nursing-training history to 1956.
The Nairobi Hospital Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Hospital Name | The Nairobi Hospital |
| Facility Type | Private not-for-profit hospital |
| Established | April 9, 1954 |
| Owner | Kenya Hospital Association |
| Chief Executive Officer | Felix Osano |
| Main Campus | Argwings Kodhek Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi |
| Emergency Services | Available 24 hours |
| Main Telephone | +254 20 284 5000 |
| Emergency Contact | +254 703 082 000 |
| [email protected] | |
| Postal Address | P.O. Box 30026-00100, Nairobi |
| Website | thenairobihosp.org |
The hospital’s official leadership profile identifies Felix Osano as chief executive officer. Older listings that name a previous executive should be updated.
Emergency and Accident Care
The Nairobi Hospital operates a 24-hour Accident and Emergency Centre for adults and children requiring urgent medical attention.
The department evaluates patients with:
- Serious injuries
- Sudden illness
- Breathing difficulties
- Severe pain
- Suspected stroke
- Chest pain
- Pregnancy-related emergencies
- Pediatric emergencies
- Road-traffic injuries
- Other potentially life-threatening conditions
The hospital publishes +254 703 082 000 as its main emergency number. Its Chandaria Accident and Emergency Centre also lists +254 703 082 511 for immediate assistance.
Patients with severe or rapidly worsening symptoms should seek emergency treatment immediately rather than waiting for an ordinary clinic appointment.
Ambulance and Emergency Response
The hospital provides ambulance and emergency-response support for eligible patients.
Its published ambulance contact is:
0702 200 200
Ambulance availability may depend on the patient’s location, traffic conditions, vehicle availability and the nature of the emergency.
Callers should provide:
- The patient’s location
- A working callback number
- A brief description of the emergency
- Nearby landmarks
- Any immediate safety risks
Inpatient Care
The Nairobi Hospital admits patients who require medical observation, surgery, specialist treatment or continuous nursing care.
Its inpatient accommodation includes different room and ward categories. Available amenities vary according to room type and may include private bathrooms, television, internet access and adjustable beds.
Admission normally depends on:
- A doctor’s assessment
- Clinical need
- Bed availability
- Insurance authorization or payment arrangements
- Completion of admission documentation
Emergency patients may be stabilized before administrative and payment requirements are completed.
Critical Care
The hospital provides intensive and high-dependency care for critically ill patients who require close monitoring, advanced treatment or organ support.
Critical-care services may support patients following:
- Major surgery
- Severe infection
- Serious injury
- Heart complications
- Stroke
- Respiratory failure
- Other complex medical emergencies
The hospital publishes a direct critical-care contact of +254 703 082 300 and the email address [email protected].
Critical-care visiting arrangements may differ from general ward hours. Families should follow instructions provided by the unit.
Surgical Services
The Nairobi Hospital offers general and specialist surgery supported by operating theatres, inpatient wards and critical-care facilities.
Surgical specialties may include:
- General surgery
- Orthopedic surgery
- Cardiothoracic surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Urology
- Gynecology
- Ear, nose and throat surgery
- Maxillofacial surgery
- Cancer surgery
- Pediatric surgery
- Reconstructive procedures
The hospital’s doctors’ facilities include specialists in neurosurgery, orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, cardiology, oncology and other fields.
Patients should confirm the surgeon’s professional fees, hospital charges, theatre costs, implants, medication and expected length of stay before a planned procedure.
Oncology and Cancer Treatment
The Nairobi Hospital operates a specialist cancer centre providing diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care.
The centre includes consulting and examination rooms as well as radiotherapy infrastructure with linear-accelerator treatment bunkers.
Cancer services may include:
- Cancer screening
- Medical oncology
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgical oncology
- Pathology
- Diagnostic imaging
- Pain management
- Supportive care
- Follow-up clinics
Treatment depends on the cancer type, stage, pathology findings and recommendations from the patient’s multidisciplinary medical team.
Cardiology and Heart Care
Cardiology services support patients with heart and circulatory conditions.
Depending on the patient’s needs, services may include:
- Cardiology consultations
- Electrocardiograms
- Echocardiography
- Heart monitoring
- Cardiac imaging
- Interventional procedures
- Cardiothoracic surgery
- Emergency chest-pain assessment
- Rehabilitation and follow-up
Patients experiencing chest pressure, sudden breathlessness or other serious symptoms should use the emergency department.
Maternity and Women’s Health
The Nairobi Hospital provides maternity, obstetric and gynecological services.
Services may include:
- Antenatal consultations
- Pregnancy monitoring
- Labor and delivery
- Cesarean delivery
- High-risk pregnancy care
- Postnatal care
- Gynecology clinics
- Family planning
- Newborn support
Maternity charges depend on the consultant, delivery method, room category, medication, length of stay and whether the mother or newborn requires additional care.
Expectant parents should request a current estimate and confirm insurance or SHA authorization before a planned admission.
Pediatric Care
The hospital provides medical services for infants, children and adolescents.
Pediatric care may include:
- General consultations
- Emergency treatment
- Inpatient admission
- Specialist pediatric clinics
- Diagnostic testing
- Surgical referrals
- Newborn care
- Vaccination services
Parents should contact the hospital to confirm specialist schedules and appointment requirements.
Diagnostic Imaging
The Nairobi Hospital provides diagnostic imaging to support emergency care, surgery, cancer treatment and routine medical assessment.
Available services may include:
- X-rays
- Ultrasound
- Mammography
- CT scans
- MRI
- Interventional radiology
- Other specialist imaging
The hospital’s emergency-response materials state that CT, MRI and X-ray services support round-the-clock emergency and critical care.
Some procedures require fasting, prior laboratory tests, contrast preparation or a doctor’s referral.
Laboratory Services
The hospital operates laboratory services supporting inpatient, outpatient and emergency treatment.
Laboratory investigations may include:
- Blood tests
- Microbiology
- Histology
- Cytology
- Chemistry testing
- Blood-bank services
- Infection screening
- Specialized diagnostic testing
Patients should ask whether a test requires fasting, an appointment or special preparation.
Pharmacy
The hospital pharmacy supplies medication for admitted and outpatient patients.
Its services include access to routine and specialized medicines. The hospital states that it imports selected essential medicines that may not be readily available locally, including products used in intensive care, surgery and other complex cases.
Medicine availability should be confirmed directly, especially for uncommon or long-term prescriptions.
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy services assist patients recovering from injury, illness, surgery or conditions that affect mobility and physical function.
Rehabilitation may include:
- Postoperative therapy
- Musculoskeletal rehabilitation
- Neurological rehabilitation
- Pain-management support
- Mobility training
- Exercise programmes
- Recovery following fractures or joint procedures
The hospital directory lists +254 20 284 5621 as the physiotherapy booking-office contact.
Vaccination and Travel Health
The hospital provides selected routine and travel-related vaccines.
Travelers should consult early because some vaccines require multiple doses or must be administered a specified period before travel.
Patients should bring relevant immunization records and details of their destination, travel dates and planned activities.
Vaccine availability and entry requirements can change, so travelers should confirm both with the hospital and the relevant public-health or immigration authority.
Dental and Eye Care
Dental and ophthalmology services are available through the hospital’s specialist and outpatient network.
Services may include:
- Dental examination
- Preventive dental care
- Restorative treatment
- Eye examinations
- Specialist consultations
- Diagnostic procedures
- Surgical referrals
Patients should confirm which location offers the required service and whether an appointment is necessary.
Outpatient Centres
The Nairobi Hospital operates outpatient centres outside its main Upper Hill campus.
The hospital’s official history page refers to six outpatient centres. These extend access to consultations, diagnostics, pharmacy services and selected specialist clinics.
One listed facility is the Capital Centre outpatient clinic on the first floor of Capital Centre along Mombasa Road. Its published telephone number is +254 723 976 587.
Patients should use the hospital’s current website to confirm:
- The nearest outpatient centre
- Services offered
- Opening hours
- Appointment availability
- Contact number
- Insurance acceptance
Not every outpatient centre provides the same services as the main hospital.
Medical Evacuation Services
The hospital’s network includes a global medical-evacuation centre.
Medical evacuation may involve coordination between referring hospitals, doctors, ambulance providers, aviation companies and insurers.
Patients or organizations arranging an evacuation should confirm:
- Medical fitness to travel
- Required clinical personnel
- Aircraft or ground-ambulance availability
- Destination-hospital acceptance
- Immigration documentation
- Insurance authorization
- Payment arrangements
College of Health Sciences
The Nairobi Hospital is associated with the Cicely McDonell College of Health Sciences.
The institution developed from the hospital’s nursing school, which was established in 1956. It supports the training of healthcare professionals through accredited academic and clinical programmes.
Applicants should use the college’s official admissions information for current courses, entry requirements, fees and application deadlines.
Hospital Opening Hours
Emergency, inpatient and critical-care services operate continuously.
| 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 |
This does not mean every specialist clinic or administrative department operates around the clock.
Scheduled clinics, imaging appointments, offices and outpatient centres may follow separate hours.
Visiting Hours
The hospital currently lists general inpatient visiting hours as:
- 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
These hours apply daily, subject to clinical and infection-control restrictions.
The original listing’s morning period of 11:00 a.m. to noon is therefore outdated for general wards.
Critical-care, maternity, pediatric and isolation units may have different rules. The hospital can limit visitors depending on a patient’s condition or ward requirements.
SHA and Medical Insurance
The Nairobi Hospital previously accepted patients under the National Hospital Insurance Fund.
NHIF was replaced by the Social Health Authority in October 2024. Current listings should therefore refer to SHA rather than describing NHIF as the active national scheme.
Patients should contact the hospital and SHA to confirm:
- Whether the hospital is currently empaneled
- Which services are covered
- Whether a referral is required
- Whether prior authorization is needed
- Whether the consultant is covered
- Whether medicines and tests are included
- Whether a co-payment applies
The hospital also works with private insurers and corporate medical schemes. Coverage varies by policy, provider panel and benefit limit.
Patients should present their identification, insurance card or digital membership details and any required authorization documents during admission.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements depend on whether the patient is entering through an emergency department or for a scheduled procedure.
Patients may be asked to provide:
- National identification or passport
- Doctor’s admission instructions
- Insurance or SHA details
- Preauthorization
- Deposit or payment guarantee
- Medical records
- Current medication information
- Emergency-contact details
The hospital states that its admissions office is available around the clock.
The Nairobi Hospital Contact Information
Main Campus
The Nairobi Hospital
Argwings Kodhek Road
Upper Hill, Nairobi, Kenya
Postal Address
P.O. Box 30026-00100
GPO Nairobi, Kenya
Main Telephone
+254 20 284 5000
Emergency Line
+254 703 082 000
General Email
Official Website
thenairobihosp.org
These contacts are published on the hospital’s current official website.
Older telephone numbers such as 0722 204 114 and 0733 639 301 may still appear in historical directories. The current main and emergency contacts should receive priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Nairobi Hospital located?
The hospital is located on Argwings Kodhek Road in Upper Hill, Nairobi.
Is The Nairobi Hospital open 24 hours?
Yes. Emergency, inpatient and critical-care services operate 24 hours a day. Specialist clinics and outpatient centres follow separate schedules.
What is The Nairobi Hospital emergency number?
The main emergency number is +254 703 082 000. The Chandaria Accident and Emergency Centre also lists +254 703 082 511 for immediate assistance.
Who owns The Nairobi Hospital?
The hospital is owned by the Kenya Hospital Association.
Who is the CEO of The Nairobi Hospital?
Felix Osano is the hospital’s chief executive officer.
Does The Nairobi Hospital accept SHA?
Patients should contact the hospital and SHA to confirm current empanelment, covered procedures and authorization requirements. NHIF references are outdated because SHA replaced NHIF in October 2024.
Does The Nairobi Hospital accept private insurance?
The hospital works with private insurers and corporate medical schemes. Acceptance depends on the patient’s policy and provider panel.
What are the hospital’s visiting hours?
General inpatient visiting hours are noon to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.
Does The Nairobi Hospital provide cancer treatment?
Yes. The hospital operates a specialist oncology and cancer-treatment centre with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and related services.
Does the hospital provide ambulance services?
Yes. The published ambulance contact is 0702 200 200.
How can I book an appointment?
Patients can use the appointment option on the official hospital website or call +254 20 284 5000.
Does The Nairobi Hospital have outpatient centres?
Yes. Its official history page identifies six outpatient centres in addition to the main hospital.
Is parking available?
Parking is available within and around the hospital campus, but availability can vary during busy periods. Patients should allow additional time when attending an appointment.
Why Patients Choose The Nairobi Hospital
The Nairobi Hospital combines emergency medicine, specialist care, surgery, diagnostics and medical training within a long-established private hospital.
Its main strengths include:
- Twenty-four-hour emergency care
- Intensive and high-dependency care
- Specialist surgical departments
- Cancer treatment
- Cardiology services
- Maternity and pediatric care
- Diagnostic imaging
- Laboratory and pharmacy services
- Outpatient centres
- Ambulance and medical-evacuation support
- Healthcare professional training
Patients planning non-emergency treatment should confirm the specialist’s availability, obtain a cost estimate and verify SHA or private-insurance authorization before admission.
For urgent assistance, call +254 703 082 000 or visit the Accident and Emergency Centre at the Upper Hill campus.
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