National referral hospitals are the backbone of Kenya’s healthcare system, providing specialized medical services for patients with complex health conditions that cannot be treated at lower-level health facilities. These hospitals are equipped with advanced medical technology and offer a wide range of healthcare services, including surgery, psychiatry, paediatrics, obstetrics, and more. In Kenya, there are five national referral hospitals that serve as essential resources for patients across the country. Below is a detailed list of these hospitals, along with key information about their services, locations, and facilities.
1. Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)
Kenyatta National Hospital, commonly known as KNH, is the largest referral hospital in East and Central Africa. Located in Upper Hill, Nairobi, KNH serves as a major healthcare provider for Kenyans, offering a wide range of services across multiple specialties. The hospital has a bed capacity of 1,800 and employs over 6,000 staff members. It is also the teaching hospital for the University of Nairobi’s Faculty of Health Sciences.
KNH provides comprehensive medical services, including surgery, obstetrics, paediatrics, psychiatry, and gynaecology. It is a key institution for medical research and training in Kenya.
- Location: Hospital Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi
- Bed Capacity: 1,800
- Specialized Services: Surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatry, gynaecology
- Teaching Hospital: University of Nairobi Faculty of Health Sciences
2. Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH)
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) is located in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, and is the second-largest national referral hospital in Kenya. With a bed capacity of 1,020, MTRH offers a range of medical services, including advanced surgery, emergency care, and specialized outpatient clinics. The hospital is affiliated with Moi University College of Health Sciences and serves as both a teaching and referral facility.
MTRH plays a critical role in providing healthcare to patients referred from lower-level hospitals across the country, especially for complex medical conditions that require specialized care.
- Location: Nandi Road, Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County
- Bed Capacity: 1,020
- Specialized Services: Surgery, emergency care, specialized clinics
- Teaching Hospital: Moi University College of Health Sciences
3. Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital
Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital is Kenya’s leading psychiatric hospital, providing specialized care for individuals with severe psychiatric disorders. Located in Nairobi, the hospital has a bed capacity of approximately 800 and is the national psychiatric teaching hospital. Mathari serves as a referral center for patients with mental health conditions who cannot be managed at other public health facilities.
The hospital offers a variety of mental health services, including inpatient care, therapy, counseling, and psychiatric treatment. It plays a key role in advancing psychiatric education and research in Kenya.
- Location: Nairobi
- Bed Capacity: 800
- Specialized Services: Mental health care, psychiatric treatment, therapy, counseling
- Teaching Hospital: National psychiatric teaching hospital
4. Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH)
Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH) is a state-of-the-art national referral hospital located along the Northern Bypass in Kahawa West, Nairobi. The hospital opened in 2019 and has a bed capacity of 650. It offers a wide range of medical services, including comprehensive cancer care, renal services, critical care, paediatrics, surgery, rehabilitation, and specialized clinics.
One of KUTRRH’s flagship services is its Comprehensive Cancer Care unit, which aims to fill the gaps in cancer care in Kenya, including early screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The hospital is committed to providing high-quality healthcare while also conducting medical research and training healthcare professionals.
- Location: Northern Bypass, Kahawa West, Nairobi
- Bed Capacity: 650
- Specialized Services: Cancer care, renal services, surgery, rehabilitation, paediatrics
- Teaching Hospital: Kenyatta University
5. National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital
The National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital specializes in the treatment and rehabilitation of spinal cord injuries. Located along Lenana Road in the Kilimani area of Nairobi, the hospital provides critical care and rehabilitation services for patients with spinal injuries. It has a bed capacity of 33 and is the leading facility in Kenya for spinal cord injury management.
The hospital offers specialized services, including physical therapy, counseling, and rehabilitation to help patients regain mobility and independence.
- Location: Lenana Road, Kilimani, Nairobi
- Bed Capacity: 33
- Specialized Services: Spinal injury treatment, physical therapy, rehabilitation
