Palliative care plays a critical role in Kenya’s healthcare system, as the demand for comfort-focused care continues to rise. With an increasing number of individuals battling chronic and serious illnesses, many families now seek services that emphasize dignity, pain relief, and holistic support. The expansion of palliative care providers across the country ensures that patients and families receive the essential care they need, whether in a hospital, hospice, or community setting.
In this comprehensive guide, we provide a detailed breakdown of palliative care providers across Kenya. From free-standing hospices to faith-based units and private healthcare providers, this guide highlights the key facilities that make a difference for those facing difficult health challenges.
Understanding Palliative Care Providers in Kenya
Palliative care in Kenya focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals suffering from serious illnesses. The primary aim is to alleviate pain, manage symptoms, and provide emotional, psychological, and spiritual support. Unlike curative treatment, palliative care works in tandem with medical treatment to ensure comfort and enhance the patient’s overall well-being.
Hospice care, which is often part of palliative care, focuses on providing peace, comfort, and dignity for patients nearing the end of life. This type of care also supports families, helping them make informed decisions and manage the emotional complexities of their loved one’s condition.
Kenya’s palliative care providers can be categorized into the following groups:
- Free-standing hospices
- Community and faith-based palliative care units
- Mission and government palliative care units
- Private palliative care providers
Below, we break down the list of providers in each of these categories.
Free Standing Hospices in Kenya
Free-standing hospices operate independently, specializing in palliative and hospice care. They are equipped to provide ongoing symptom management, counseling, and comfort care for patients with chronic illnesses. Here are some of the key free-standing hospices across the country:
| 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 provide essential support for patients who require close follow-up and comfort care during long-term illnesses.
Community and Faith-Based Palliative Care Units
Community and faith-based organizations are pivotal in bringing palliative care to rural and underserved regions in Kenya. These units focus on home-based care, educating communities, supporting caregivers, and providing symptom relief for patients who cannot visit a hospital. Here are some notable community and faith-based palliative care providers:
| 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 play a crucial role in providing ongoing care and support to families who require frequent home visits or community-level support.
Mission and Government Palliative Care Units
Mission hospitals often combine clinical treatment with spiritual and emotional support, making them key providers of palliative care in Kenya. Additionally, government hospitals offer palliative care services at county and sub-county levels, improving access for low-income families. Below are examples of mission hospitals and government palliative care units:
Mission Hospitals with Palliative Care:
| Hospital | County | Contacts |
|---|---|---|
| AIC Kijabe Hospital | Kiambu | 0721623648 |
| AIC Litein Mission Hospital | Kericho | 0706000873 |
| Chogoria Hospital | Tharaka Nithi | 0704433162 |
| Cottolengo Mission Hospital | Meru | 0708446204 |
Ministry of Health Palliative Care Units:
| Facility | County | Contacts |
|---|---|---|
| KNH Palliative Care Unit | Nairobi | 0701797596 |
| MTRH Moi Teaching Hospital | Uasin Gishu | 0721606516 |
| Kericho County Referral Hospital | Kericho | 0704826887 |
| Kiambu County Referral Hospital | Kiambu | 0722943551 |
These institutions ensure that palliative care services are accessible across both urban and rural settings.
Private Palliative Care Providers in Kenya
Private hospitals and clinics in Kenya also offer advanced palliative care and oncology services. These centers provide specialized care, including cancer treatment and hospice care for patients with terminal conditions. Here are some of the leading private palliative care providers in Kenya:
| 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 |
These private facilities offer advanced diagnostic services and personalized care, ensuring long-term support for patients.
Where to Get Help and More Information
The Kenya Hospices and Palliative Care Association (KEHPCA) is the central organization coordinating most palliative care activities in Kenya. It provides essential information, training, and support for both healthcare providers and the public.
KEHPCA Contacts:
- Phone: 0722507219
- Email: [email protected]
- Location: Top Plaza, 2nd Floor, Kindaruma Road, Nairobi