Jordan Ellis
In Kenya, healthcare facilities are organized into six levels, with the first five managed at the county level and the sixth level overseen by the national government. Level 6 hospitals are the pinnacle of medical care in the country, providing advanced and specialized services beyond those offered by lower-level facilities. These institutions serve as national referral hospitals, large private teaching hospitals, or mission-based medical centers. They are equipped to handle a wide range of complex medical procedures, including major surgeries and specialized interventions such as open-heart surgeries, neurosurgical procedures, and organ transplants. Level 6 hospitals are not only regional hubs for Kenyans but also attract patients from neighboring countries in East and Central Africa, fostering medical tourism and contributing to the advancement of healthcare through research and innovation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Level 6 Hospitals in Kenya | 4 |
| Management | National government |
| Type of Hospitals | National referral hospitals, large private teaching hospitals, or mission-based medical centers |
| Services | Comprehensive surgical services, specialized medical treatments, diagnostic imaging, and research |
| Examples | Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital |
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What You'll Learn
Level 6 hospitals are national referral hospitals and large private teaching/mission hospitals
In Kenya, Level 6 hospitals are the pinnacle of medical care, providing advanced and specialised services beyond those offered by lower-level facilities. These hospitals are managed by the national government and serve as national referral hospitals, large private teaching hospitals, and mission-based medical centres. They are considered centres of excellence in East and Central Africa, attracting patients from neighbouring countries seeking specialised treatment.
National referral hospitals, such as Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, are the apex of Kenya's healthcare system. They provide comprehensive surgical services, including major and specialised surgeries, that surpass the capabilities of regional and lower-level facilities. These hospitals also serve as regional hubs for specialised care, contributing to medical tourism by attracting international patients seeking high-quality healthcare.
Large private teaching hospitals within the Level 6 category play a pivotal role in training healthcare professionals and building the healthcare workforce. They contribute to capacity building and research, actively engaging in medical research and innovation to advance medical knowledge and improve healthcare practices. These hospitals are often affiliated with religious organisations, delivering healthcare services with an emphasis on compassionate care and community outreach.
Mission-based hospitals, also known as faith-based hospitals, offer a broad spectrum of medical services, including surgeries and specialised treatments. They focus on community health, preventive care, and patient-centred holistic care. With their first-class equipment, Level 6 hospitals can perform a range of complex surgical procedures, such as open-heart surgeries, neurosurgical procedures, and organ transplants. These hospitals are equipped with advanced infrastructure, contributing to their reputation as centres of excellence in the region.
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There are four level 6 hospitals in Kenya
The four level 6 hospitals in Kenya include Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH). These hospitals serve as the apex of the healthcare system, offering specialised care that surpasses the capabilities of regional and lower-level facilities. Kenyatta National Hospital, for instance, has faced challenges with medical negligence and overcrowding. Despite these issues, it remains a crucial referral hospital for Kenyans seeking advanced medical attention.
Another notable level 6 hospital is the Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital, formerly known as the Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital. This hospital was initially established as a Smallpox isolation centre and later served as a lunatic asylum. Today, it is a specialised referral hospital, offering services to patients from across the region.
The National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital is also among the four level 6 hospitals in Kenya. This facility specialises in treating spinal injuries and serves patients from Kenya, East Africa, and Central Africa. It is one of the three teaching and research referral hospitals in Kenya, alongside Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. These hospitals offer a range of specialised treatments and act as centres of excellence in the region.
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Level 6 hospitals are managed by the national government
Kenya's healthcare system is structured in a stepwise manner, with complicated cases referred to higher levels. The healthcare facilities in the country are grouped into six levels, with the first five managed at the county level and the sixth level managed by the national government. Level 6 hospitals are the pinnacle of medical care in Kenya, providing advanced and specialised services beyond those offered by lower-level facilities. These hospitals serve as national referral hospitals, large private teaching hospitals, or mission-based medical centres. They are equipped to perform a range of complex surgical procedures, including open-heart surgeries, neurosurgical procedures, and organ transplants.
The national government's role in managing Level 6 hospitals extends beyond direct administration. It is responsible for financing counties to ensure the smooth operation of the health department. The national government also oversees various national health institutions, including the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA), National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), National Quality Control Laboratory (NQCL), and National Blood Transfusion Services. The Health Cabinet Secretary leads the health sector at the national level, supported by the Principal Secretary and the Director of Medical Services.
The Director of Medical Services plays a pivotal role in coordinating and overseeing six critical health departments. These include Preventive and Promotive Health, Curative and Rehabilitation Services, Standards and Quality Assurance, and Regulations. Level 6 hospitals, as national referral hospitals, fall under the purview of the Director of Medical Services, ensuring compliance with standards and regulations.
Level 6 hospitals in Kenya are not just centres of medical excellence domestically but also regionally. They serve as regional hubs, attracting patients from neighbouring countries in East and Central Africa seeking specialised treatments. This aspect of Level 6 hospitals contributes to international medical tourism, drawing patients from abroad seeking advanced healthcare. The advanced infrastructure and specialised services offered by these hospitals enhance their attractiveness to patients beyond Kenya's borders.
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Kenyatta National Hospital is a level 6 hospital
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) is one of four level 6 hospitals in Kenya that are still managed by the national government. Level 6 hospitals are national referral hospitals and large private teaching/mission (faith-based) hospitals. The other five levels of hospitals are managed on the county level.
Kenyatta National Hospital is the oldest hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, established in 1901 as the Native Civil Hospital. In 1952, it was renamed King George VI Hospital, after King George VI of the United Kingdom. Following independence from the British, it was renamed Kenyatta National Hospital, after Jomo Kenyatta.
Kenyatta National Hospital is the largest referral and teaching hospital in the country, with a bed capacity of 1,800. The hospital employs over 6,000 staff, and patient numbers can rise as high as 3,000 due to congestion. Kenyatta National Hospital serves as a teaching hospital for the Kenya Medical Training College, Nairobi campus, and many other institutions due to its advanced specialisation in medical services. It is also the teaching hospital of the University of Nairobi College of Health Sciences.
As a level 6 hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital is administered by a 10-person board of directors, chaired by a non-physician, non-executive board member. The chief executive officer is Dr Evanson Kamuri. The hospital is financed by the national government, which is also in charge of the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA), National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), National Quality Control Laboratory (NQCL), and National Blood Transfusion Services.
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Level 6 hospitals are the most advanced hospitals in Kenya
Kenya's healthcare system is structured in a stepwise manner, with complicated cases referred to higher levels. The healthcare facilities in the country are grouped into six levels, with the first five managed at the county level, and the sixth level by the national government.
Level 6 hospitals play a vital role in capacity building and training, with large private teaching hospitals and national referral hospitals contributing significantly to the development of the healthcare workforce. They actively engage in medical research, fostering innovation and advancing medical knowledge. These hospitals are considered centers of excellence in East and Central Africa, serving as regional hubs for specialized care.
There are four Level 6 hospitals in Kenya that are managed by the national government, including Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH). These hospitals provide specialized medical care, comprehensive surgical services, and serve patients from across the region. The national government is responsible for financing counties and ensuring the smooth operation of the health sector, including overseeing agencies such as the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) and the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
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Frequently asked questions
There are 4 level 6 hospitals in Kenya.
Level 6 hospitals are the highest-ranked hospitals in Kenya. They are national referral hospitals and large private teaching/mission hospitals. They are capable of offering treatment as well as training and education with research.
The Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) is one of the four level 6 hospitals in Kenya. The other three are managed by the national government.
