The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has partnered with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to provide kidney transplants and heart surgery, easing the financial pain for patients.
Under the agreement, the SHA will pay Sh700,000 per patient as part of its national care package, which includes surgery and necessary postoperative care, while the AKUH will provide all approved patients with high-quality surgical and postoperative care in line with national clinical standards and protocols.
Without SHA, kidney transplants and heart surgery at AKUH normally cost up to Sh2 million, depending on the patient's needs, a sum that is beyond the reach of most households.
According to the Ministry of Health, Kenyans spent an estimated Sh14.7 billion on overseas medical treatment in 2024 alone.
Under the surgical package, the SHA covers three minor, two major and one specialised surgical procedure per household per year. The cost of each procedure is determined by its complexity. For example, open heart surgery falls under the specialised procedures category and the SHA will pay a maximum of Sh952,000 for it.
“We are honoured to work with the Social Health Authority in this national effort to expand access to life-saving surgeries. This collaboration reflects our commitment to giving back to society by delivering care to those most in need while upholding world-class medical standards. Our facilities, technology and highly trained specialists are geared towards ensuring that every patient receives quality treatment with dignity,” said Aga Khan University Hospital Chief Executive Officer Rashid Khalani.
The SHA will also assess and approve patients for specialised treatment using its national digital system, targeting specifically vulnerable and low-income households enrolled in the Social Health Insurance Fund (Shif). Eligibility will be determined based on medical necessity, income level and insurance enrolment. This is part of the national care package.
This partnership represents a coordinated public–private effort to address the growing burden of kidney and heart diseases in the country.
According to the Ministry of Health, chronic kidney disease affects over four million Kenyans and often progresses silently until dialysis or a transplant is required. Similarly, heart diseases such as congenital, rheumatic and lifestyle-related conditions are becoming increasingly common and expensive to treat.
'This partnership directly supports our commitment to universal health coverage by making advanced medical care available to all Kenyans, regardless of their economic status. By collaborating with esteemed institutions like the Aga Khan University Hospital and utilising initiatives such as the Patient Welfare Programme, we are expediting access to lifesaving care for vulnerable individuals nationwide,” said Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary for Health.
