Hospitals That Provide Ultrasound Services in Nairobi (Abdominal, Pelvic, Obstetric & Cardiac Echocardiography)
Ultrasound scanning is one of the most commonly requested diagnostic imaging services in Nairobi, used to investigate everything from abdominal pain and pregnancy progress to heart function. Because Nairobi has both public referral hospitals and a dense network of private hospitals and clinics, prices for the same scan can vary widely depending on where you go. Below is a guide to hospitals offering abdominal, pelvic, obstetric, and cardiac (echocardiography) ultrasound in Nairobi, along with estimated costs in public versus private facilities.
Estimated Cost of Ultrasound Services in Nairobi (Public vs Private)
| Hospital / Facility | Type | Abdominal / Pelvic Ultrasound (Est. KES) | Obstetric Ultrasound (Est. KES) | Echocardiography (Est. KES) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) | Public | 800 – 1,800 | 800 – 2,000 | 2,500 – 5,000 |
| Mbagathi County Hospital | Public | 700 – 1,500 | 700 – 1,800 | Limited availability |
| Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital | Public | 700 – 1,500 | 700 – 1,800 | Limited availability |
| Pumwani Maternity Hospital | Public | N/A | 700 – 1,500 | N/A |
| Aga Khan University Hospital | Private | 3,500 – 6,500 | 3,500 – 7,000 | 8,000 – 15,000 |
| The Nairobi Hospital | Private | 3,000 – 6,000 | 3,000 – 6,500 | 7,000 – 14,000 |
| Mater Misericordiae Hospital | Private | 2,500 – 5,000 | 2,500 – 5,500 | 6,000 – 12,000 |
| MP Shah Hospital | Private | 2,500 – 5,000 | 2,500 – 5,500 | 6,000 – 12,000 |
| Jesse Kay Hospital | Private | 2,000 – 3,000 | 2,000 – 3,000 | 7,000 |
| Microafia Healthcare | Private | 1,500 – 3,000 | 1,500 – 3,000 | Not routinely offered |
| Bliss Healthcare / Medicross clinics | Private | 1,800 – 3,500 | 1,800 – 3,500 | Referral basis |
Prices above are estimated ranges compiled from publicly available hospital and clinic pricing information. Actual charges vary by facility, scan complexity, radiologist fees, and whether a written report or specialist consultation is included. Always confirm current rates directly with the hospital before your appointment.
Public Hospitals Offering Ultrasound in Nairobi
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) is Kenya's largest public referral hospital and offers a full radiology department that includes abdominal, pelvic, obstetric, and cardiac ultrasound services alongside X-ray, CT, and MRI. As a teaching and referral hospital, KNH tends to have longer waiting times but significantly lower costs than private facilities, which makes it a common choice for patients without private insurance. A standard outpatient consultation charge applies before diagnostic services are booked.
Mbagathi County Hospital and Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital are Level 5 county facilities that also run radiology and maternity departments offering abdominal, pelvic, and obstetric ultrasound scans at subsidized public rates. These hospitals are especially popular for routine antenatal scans due to their affordability, though cardiac echocardiography is not always available on-site and may require referral to a larger facility.
Pumwani Maternity Hospital, one of the busiest maternity units in East Africa, focuses specifically on obstetric ultrasound as part of antenatal care for expectant mothers, offering dating scans, anomaly scans, and growth scans at public hospital rates.
Private Hospitals Offering Ultrasound in Nairobi
Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi runs one of the most advanced radiology departments in the region, supported by a picture archiving and communication system that allows images to be reviewed immediately after a scan. The hospital uses portable ultrasound machines that can be deployed across wards and casualty for point-of-care ultrasound, and every image is reviewed twice — first by the sonographer performing the scan, then validated by a specialist radiologist. The hospital's cardiology programme also runs a dedicated echocardiography service covering adult, paediatric, and foetal cardiac imaging, making it a strong option for patients who need both obstetric and cardiac scans under one roof.
The Nairobi Hospital, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, and MP Shah Hospital are among Nairobi's other major private hospitals with well-established radiology and maternity departments offering the full range of abdominal, pelvic, obstetric, and cardiac ultrasound services. These hospitals typically charge mid-to-upper private rates but offer shorter waiting times, same-day or next-day results, and specialist obstetricians and cardiologists on-site for immediate follow-up.
Jesse Kay Hospital, based in Roysambu, has positioned itself as a more affordable private option. The hospital has incorporated Butterfly ultrasound technology and its radiology department handles obstetric, pelvic, abdominal, prostate, carotid, thyroid, and Doppler ultrasounds, alongside echocardiogram testing. The hospital has also run periodic discounted pricing on selected scans, so it is worth checking current promotions before booking.
Microafia Healthcare markets itself as a budget-friendly imaging provider. It offers obstetric, pelvic, abdominal, thyroid, and prostate scans starting from KES 1,500, and also provides mobile ultrasound for home visits, which can be useful for patients who are unable to travel to a facility.
Bliss Healthcare and similar diagnostic-focused clinics across Nairobi offer abdominal, pelvic, breast, and thyroid ultrasound services with a focus on fast turnaround times, though cardiac echocardiography at these smaller clinics is often handled through referral to a partner hospital rather than performed in-house.
Why Prices Vary So Much
Several factors explain the wide cost range between public and private ultrasound providers in Nairobi. Public hospitals are subsidized by the government and charge standardized rates regardless of which radiologist performs the scan, while private hospitals price according to equipment quality, radiologist seniority, turnaround time, and whether a written specialist report is included. Echocardiography in particular tends to cost significantly more than general abdominal or pelvic ultrasound because it requires a cardiologist or specially trained sonographer, more advanced equipment, and a longer scan time to properly assess heart structure and function.
Insurance coverage also plays a role. Many private hospitals in Nairobi have credit arrangements with NHIF and private medical insurance schemes, which can offset out-of-pocket costs considerably, while public hospitals generally require cash payment upfront with the option to claim reimbursement afterward.
Choosing the Right Hospital for Your Ultrasound
If cost is the primary concern and the scan is routine — such as a standard antenatal check or a general abdominal scan — a public hospital or a budget-friendly private clinic is usually sufficient. If the scan is more specialized, such as a foetal echocardiogram, a cardiac workup for a heart condition, or an urgent obstetric scan requiring same-day specialist review, a well-equipped private hospital with an on-site radiologist or cardiologist is typically the safer choice. Regardless of which facility you choose, it is worth calling ahead to confirm the exact scan price, whether a doctor's referral is required, and whether the fee includes a written radiologist report, since this can affect the final amount you pay on the day.
