In Kenya, National Referral Hospitals are critical healthcare institutions equipped to manage complex and specialized medical cases. These hospitals offer a wide range of services, including surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatry, and general medicine, and serve as referral points for patients with conditions beyond the capacity of lower-level health facilities. Here is a list of the five National Referral Hospitals in Kenya, each with its own specialties and contributions to the country’s healthcare system.
1. Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)
Kenyatta National Hospital is the largest referral hospital in East and Central Africa. It is located along Hospital Road in Upper Hill, Nairobi. KNH serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Nairobi Faculty of Health Sciences. The hospital is equipped with 1,800 beds, 50 wards, 22 out-patient clinics, 24 theatres (16 specialized), and an accident and emergency department.
Location: Hospital Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi
Capacity: 1,800 beds
Specialties: Surgery, paediatrics, psychiatry, obstetrics, gynaecology, and more
2. Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH)
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital is located along Nandi Road in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County. It has a bed capacity of 1,020 and is the teaching hospital for Moi University College of Health Sciences. MTRH provides multispecialty services and plays a key role in medical research, training, and healthcare provision in Western Kenya.
Location: Nandi Road, Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County
Capacity: 1,020 beds
Specialties: Multispecialty services including surgery, orthopaedics, and critical care
3. Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital
Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital is Kenya’s premier psychiatric hospital. Located in Nairobi, it is the national psychiatric teaching and referral hospital for individuals with severe psychiatric disorders. The hospital has a bed capacity of around 800 and provides specialized mental health services for those who cannot afford private care.
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Capacity: 800 beds
Specialties: Psychiatry and mental health services
4. Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH)
Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital, located along the Northern Bypass in Kahawa West, Nairobi, is a state-of-the-art facility with 650 beds. Operational since 2019, KUTRRH is known for its comprehensive cancer care services, including early screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The hospital also provides renal, radiology, surgery, maternity, mental health, and paediatric services.
Location: Northern Bypass, Kahawa West, Nairobi
Capacity: 650 beds
Specialties: Comprehensive cancer care, renal, radiology, maternity, surgery, and more
5. National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital
The National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital, located along Lenana Road in Kilimani, Nairobi, specializes in the treatment of spinal cord injuries. It is the leading facility for spinal cord care in Kenya and has a capacity of 33 beds. The hospital offers specialized rehabilitation services for patients with spinal injuries.
Location: Lenana Road, Kilimani, Nairobi
Capacity: 33 beds
Specialties: Spinal cord injuries and rehabilitation
