Top 10 Clinical Genetics Physicians in Nairobi, Kenya
Important Context About Genetic Services in Kenya
Clinical genetics is an emerging field in Kenya, with limited specialized practitioners compared to developed countries. Genetic counseling and testing services are still developing, with most genetic services being provided through major referral hospitals and teaching institutions.
Leading Clinical Genetics Practitioners and Institutions
1. Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) - Genetics Department
Location: Hospital Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi
Contact: +254 20 2726300
Email: info@knh.or.ke
Services: Referral center for genetic disorders, pediatric genetics consultations
2. Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi - Medical Genetics Services
Location: 3rd Parklands Avenue, Nairobi
Contact: +254 20 366 2000
Email: patient.relations@aku.edu
Services: Genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis, pediatric genetics
3. University of Nairobi - Department of Human Pathology
Location: College of Health Sciences, Kenyatta University
Contact: +254 20 4915000
Services: Medical genetics research, genetic counseling training
4. Gertrude's Children's Hospital - Pediatric Genetics
Location: Muthaiga Road, Nairobi
Contact: +254 20 2763474
Email: info@gerties.org
Services: Pediatric genetic disorders, developmental delays
5. Nairobi Hospital - Genetics and Molecular Medicine
Location: Argwings Kodhek Road, Nairobi
Contact: +254 20 2845000
Email: info@nairobihospital.org
Services: Genetic testing, family planning counseling
6. MP Shah Hospital - Medical Genetics Consultation
Location: Shivaji Road, Nairobi
Contact: +254 20 4285000
Email: info@mpshahhos.com
Services: Genetic disorder consultations, prenatal screening
7. Avenue Healthcare - Genetics Services
Location: Ralph Bunche Road, Nairobi
Contact: +254 20 2717077
Services: Genetic counseling, inherited disease management
8. Karen Hospital - Medical Genetics
Location: Langata Road, Karen
Contact: +254 20 6610000
Email: info@karenhospital.org
Services: Genetic consultations, family history assessment
9. Coptic Hospital - Genetics Department
Location: Ngong Road, Nairobi
Contact: +254 20 2720051
Services: Basic genetic counseling, referral services
10. KEMRI (Kenya Medical Research Institute) - Centre for Biotechnology Research
Location: Mbagathi Road, Nairobi
Contact: +254 20 2722541
Email: info@kemri.org
Services: Genomics research, genetic testing services
Key Healthcare Professionals in Medical Genetics
Dr. David Githanga
Affiliation: Kenya Paediatric Association
Specialization: Medical Immunology and Genetics
Experience: Over 37 years of clinical practice
Qualifications: Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, PhD in Medical Immunology
Important Notes
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Limited Specialization: Kenya currently has very few board-certified clinical geneticists. Most genetic services are provided by pediatricians, obstetricians, and other specialists with additional training in genetics.
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Emerging Field: Clinical genetics is rapidly developing in Kenya, with increasing awareness and training programs being established.
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Referral System: Most complex genetic cases are referred to major teaching hospitals like Kenyatta National Hospital and Aga Khan University Hospital.
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Training Programs: Several institutions are developing genetic counseling training programs to address the shortage of qualified professionals.
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Research Focus: KEMRI and university hospitals are actively involved in genomics research relevant to the East African population.
How to Access Genetic Services
- Primary Care: Start with your family doctor for initial consultation and referral
- Specialist Referral: Most genetic services require referral from a primary care physician
- Emergency Cases: Contact major hospitals directly for urgent genetic consultations
- Research Participation: Consider participating in genetic research studies at KEMRI or university hospitals
Future Developments
The field of clinical genetics in Kenya is rapidly expanding, with new training programs, international collaborations, and improved access to genetic testing becoming available. Healthcare professionals are increasingly receiving specialized training in genetic counseling and molecular diagnostics.
Note: This information is based on available public data as of 2025. For the most current information about specific physicians and services, please contact the hospitals directly. Genetic services in Kenya are still developing, and new specialists and services are regularly being added.
