List of SHA Accredited Private Hospitals in Nairobi County

Last Updated: February 2026 | Source Verified Against: SHA Portal (sha.go.ke) and KMPDC Licensing Register

Kenya's healthcare landscape underwent a landmark transformation on 1st October 2024, when the Social Health Authority (SHA) officially replaced the long-standing National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). Established under the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, SHA is a government agency mandated to manage and administer social health insurance schemes with the overarching goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all Kenyans by 2030.

Nairobi County, as Kenya's capital and most populous county, hosts the largest concentration of health facilities in the country — over 62 hospitals in total, including a significant number of private facilities. Of these, a growing number have been accredited by SHA to provide services to registered members, covering everything from routine outpatient care to complex surgical procedures and chronic disease management.

This article provides a detailed, comprehensive guide to the SHA-accredited private hospitals in Nairobi County — including their locations, contact details, services offered, SHA coverage notes, and practical tips for patients seeking care under the SHA framework.

Understanding SHA: A Quick Overview

Before diving into the hospital list, it is important to understand how SHA works and why accreditation matters.

What Is SHA?

The Social Health Authority (SHA) is a government-run health insurance administrator that replaced NHIF on 1 October 2024. It operates three distinct funds:

Fund What It Covers
Primary Healthcare Fund (PHCF) Funded by the government; covers basic and preventive services at Levels 2 and 3 facilities (dispensaries, health centres)
Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) Funded by member contributions; covers outpatient, inpatient, maternity, surgical, dialysis, and radiology services at Level 4, 5, and 6 hospitals
Emergency, Chronic & Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF) Covers emergency care, chronic illnesses, and critical conditions requiring specialized or prolonged treatment

How to Register and Contribute

  • Salaried employees: Contributions are automatically deducted at 2.75% of gross salary (minimum KES 300/month) by employers and remitted to SHA by the 9th of the following month.
  • Self-employed / informal sector: Contributions are determined through means testing via the SHA portal or the USSD code *147#. Minimum contribution is KES 300/month.
  • Registration channels: Online at www.afyayangu.go.ke, via USSD *147#, or in person at any SHA-accredited facility.
  • By February 2025, over 18.9 million Kenyans had registered with SHA, making it one of Kenya's most rapidly adopted public programmes.

SHA Accreditation of Private Hospitals

For a private hospital to accept SHA, it must be contracted and empanelled by SHA after meeting prescribed quality, staffing, and facility standards. As of 2025, SHA has contracted over 4,700 public health facilities nationwide, plus a significant and growing number of private and faith-based facilities. However, not all private hospitals offer the full range of SHA benefits — many offer selective coverage, particularly for outpatient consultations, specific surgeries, dialysis, and cancer treatment.

Important: Always verify a facility's current SHA accreditation status and the specific services covered before seeking treatment. The official SHA resource portal is available at sha.go.ke/resources.

Why Private Hospitals Matter in Nairobi's SHA Network

While public hospitals like Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Mbagathi County Referral Hospital form the backbone of SHA services in Nairobi, private hospitals play a critical supplementary role for several reasons:

  • They reduce patient load pressure on overwhelmed public facilities.
  • Many offer shorter waiting times and more specialist availability.
  • They bring advanced diagnostic and treatment equipment into the SHA network.
  • They expand geographic reach into suburban and peri-urban areas underserved by public hospitals.
  • Specialist private facilities like children's hospitals and cardiac centres provide services not readily available in the public sector.

The SHA system allows Nairobi residents to access these private facilities at standardized, government-regulated tariffs, dramatically reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

List of SHA Accredited Private Hospitals in Nairobi County

Note: SHA accreditation is dynamic. Facilities may be added, suspended, or have their service coverage updated as the programme matures. Always confirm accreditation status directly with the hospital or at sha.go.ke before your visit.

1. The Nairobi Hospital

Level: 5 (Private) | Est.: 1954

One of Kenya's most prestigious private hospitals, The Nairobi Hospital has been a cornerstone of healthcare in East Africa for over seven decades. It accepts SHA for a range of services, particularly inpatient care, surgery, oncology, and specialist consultations.

  • Location: Argwings Kodhek Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi
  • P.O. Box: 30026 – 00100, Nairobi
  • Phone: +254 (0)20 2845000 / +254 (0)719 086000
  • Website: www.nairobihospital.org
  • Key Services: General and specialist surgery, oncology, cardiology, physiotherapy, ICU/HDU, radiology, executive health checks, renal care
  • SHA Coverage Notes: Accepts SHA for specific services including inpatient and surgical procedures. Confirm coverage for specialised treatments such as cancer care and dialysis.
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

2. Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi

Level: 6 (Private Teaching & Referral) | Est.: 1958

Part of the internationally respected Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUHN) in Nairobi is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) and is regarded as one of the finest hospitals in East and Central Africa. It offers SHA coverage for select services.

  • Location: 3rd Parklands Avenue, Limuru Road, Parklands, Nairobi
  • P.O. Box: 30270 – 00100, Nairobi
  • Phone: +254 (0)20 3662000 / +254 (0)20 3740000
  • Website: www.agakhanhospitals.org
  • Key Services: Cardiology, oncology, neurology and neurosurgery, minimally invasive surgery, women and child health, diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT, PET scan), kidney transplantation, emergency and trauma care
  • SHA Coverage Notes: Offers limited SHA coverage, primarily for outpatient consultations and specific surgeries. Private hospitals at this level may have service-specific restrictions. Always confirm coverage scope prior to admission.
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

3. M.P. Shah Hospital

Level: 5 (National Referral, Private) | Est.: Decades of service; recognised as national referral

M.P. Shah Hospital is a distinguished 217-bed multi-specialty hospital located in Parklands, Nairobi. It holds ISO 9001:2015 quality management certification and is affiliated with COSECSA (College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa) for surgical training. It is recognised as a national referral facility.

  • Location: Shivaji Road, Parklands, Nairobi
  • P.O. Box: 14497 – 00800, Nairobi
  • Phone: +254 (0)20 4291100 / +254 (0)709 667000 / +254 (0)728 249826
  • Website: www.mpshahhosp.org
  • Key Services: Gastroenterology, urology, ophthalmology, dermatology, cardiology, oncology, diagnostics (MRI, CT scan, digital mammography), laparoscopic surgeries, dialysis, maternity, 24-hour emergency
  • SHA Coverage Notes: Accepts SHA for specific services. Patients should confirm coverage for dialysis, oncology, and other specialist services before seeking care.
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

4. Mater Misericordiae Hospital (Mater Hospital)

Level: 5 (Mission-based Private) | Est.: 1962

Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, a Catholic Order of Nuns from Ireland, Mater Hospital has grown from a small nursing home into a modern 330-bed facility. It blends compassionate, faith-based care with high clinical standards and is a well-known SHA-accepting facility in Nairobi.

  • Location: Dunga Road, South B, Nairobi
  • P.O. Box: 30325 – 00100, Nairobi
  • Phone: +254 (0)20 6903000 / +254 (0)719 073000
  • Email: inform@materkenya.com
  • Website: www.materkenya.com
  • Key Services: Cardiology (cardiac catheterization lab), oncology, maternity (including water births), paediatrics, neonatal intensive care, orthopaedics, palliative care, community health outreach
  • SHA Coverage Notes: Accepts SHA for most services. Verify specific coverage for specialist procedures like cardiac interventions and cancer treatment.
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

5. The Karen Hospital

Level: 5 (Private) | Est.: 2007

The Karen Hospital is a 102-bed, state-of-the-art multispecialty hospital located in the upscale Karen suburb of Nairobi. It is known for world-class medical services at relatively accessible costs and has been SHA-accredited, serving members across Nairobi's southern suburbs.

  • Location: Karen Road, Karen, Nairobi
  • Phone: Contact via website
  • Website: www.karenhospital.org
  • Key Services: Fertility treatments and reproductive medicine, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, sports medicine, women's health, executive wellness, cardiac clinics, radiology, physiotherapy, dental services
  • SHA Coverage Notes: SHA-accredited. Confirm coverage for specialised services such as fertility treatments and cosmetic procedures.
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

6. Nairobi West Hospital

Level: 5 (Private) | Est.: 1991

Nairobi West Hospital is a well-regarded 210-bed private hospital that has grown steadily since its founding. It is particularly known for its advanced oncology and radiology departments, which are highly regarded in the SHA network for cancer patients.

  • Location: Muhoho Avenue, South B / Nairobi West, Nairobi
  • Phone: +254 (0)20 3503000 / +254 (0)720 640640
  • Website: www.nairobiwesthospital.co.ke
  • Key Services: Oncology, radiology, critical care (ICU), internal medicine, surgery, endoscopy, cosmetic surgery, executive health screening, 24-hour emergency
  • SHA Coverage Notes: Accepts SHA. Particularly well regarded for SHA-covered oncology and radiology services. Confirm inpatient coverage for specific procedures.
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

7. Gertrude's Children's Hospital

Level: 5 (Private, Paediatric) | Est.: 1947

Gertrude's Children's Hospital is the largest dedicated paediatric hospital in East and Central Africa. It provides specialised medical care exclusively for children from birth to 21 years. It has multiple branches and satellite clinics across Nairobi, making it widely accessible. It is SHA-accredited for paediatric services.

  • Location (Main): Muthaiga Road, Muthaiga, Nairobi
  • P.O. Box: 42325 – 00100, Nairobi
  • Phone: +254 (0)20 7206000 / +254 (0)722 898949
  • Email: info@gerties.org
  • Website: www.gerties.org
  • Key Services: Paediatric cardiology, neonatology (NICU), paediatric oncology, neurology, general paediatrics, vaccination programmes, asthma and allergy clinics, paediatric surgery, community child health outreach
  • SHA Coverage Notes: SHA-accredited for paediatric services. Branches across Nairobi include clinics in Westlands, Lavington, Karen, and Hurlingham.
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

8. Mediheal Hospital, Nairobi (Parklands & Upper Hill Branches)

Level: 5 (Private) | Est.: 2006

Mediheal is one of Kenya's fastest-growing private healthcare chains, providing a full spectrum of integrated health services. It has two main branches in Nairobi — Parklands and Upper Hill — and also operates in Rwanda and other African countries. Both branches are SHA-accredited.

  • Location (Parklands): Parklands, Nairobi
  • Location (Upper Hill): Upper Hill, Nairobi
  • Phone: Contact via group website
  • Website: www.medihealgroup.com
  • Key Services: Ophthalmology, cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, neurosurgery, pathology (laboratory), dentistry, internal medicine, gynaecology, renal care (dialysis), 24-hour emergency
  • SHA Coverage Notes: SHA-accredited at both Nairobi branches. Offers inpatient and outpatient SHA services.
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

9. Coptic Hospital Nairobi

Level: 4–5 (Faith-based Private) | Est.: 1994

Established by the Coptic Orthodox Church of Africa, Coptic Hospital is a faith-based institution offering quality healthcare at affordable rates. It is particularly well known for its nephrology (kidney care) and urology departments and offers accessible SHA-covered services.

  • Location: Ngong Road, Nairobi (opposite China Centre)
  • Phone: Contact via hospital
  • Website: www.coptichospital.org
  • Key Services: Urology, nephrology, dialysis, general surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, internal medicine, maternity, HIV/AIDS care (Hope Centre for Infectious Diseases), neonatal intensive care
  • SHA Coverage Notes: Accepts SHA for a range of services. Particularly noted for SHA-covered dialysis services.
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

10. Avenue Healthcare (Hospital)

Level: 4–5 (Private) | Est.: N/A

Avenue Healthcare is one of the most accessible private hospital chains in Nairobi, widely known for accepting a broad range of medical insurance, including SHA. It offers affordable specialist and outpatient services across multiple branches in Nairobi.

  • Location (Main): Tom Mboya Street / multiple branches across Nairobi
  • Website: www.avenuehealthcare.com
  • Key Services: Gynaecology, immunisations, outpatient consultations, maternity, laboratory services, diagnostics, specialist clinics, dental care
  • SHA Coverage Notes: SHA-accredited. Known for broad insurance acceptance including SHA. Branches in several Nairobi neighbourhoods.
  • Operating Hours: Varies by branch; emergency services available

11. Metropolitan Hospital Nairobi

Level: 4 (Private)

Metropolitan Hospital, situated in the Buruburu area of Nairobi, serves the eastern suburbs and provides accessible SHA-covered services for both outpatient and inpatient care.

  • Location: Rabai Road, opposite Jericho Market, Buruburu Phase 3, Nairobi
  • P.O. Box: 808 – 00515
  • Phone: +254 (0)20 7813730
  • Key Services: Internal medicine, paediatrics, diagnostic laboratory, radiology, general surgery, maternity
  • SHA Coverage Notes: SHA-accredited facility serving the eastern Nairobi suburbs.
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours

12. Nairobi South Hospital

Level: 5 (Private)

Nairobi South Hospital is a private Level 5 hospital that has built a strong reputation for quality, accessible healthcare in the southern parts of Nairobi. It is SHA-accredited and provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services.

  • Location: Mombasa Road, Nairobi South
  • Website: Contact via hospital
  • Key Services: General medicine, surgery, maternity, critical care, radiology, outpatient specialist clinics
  • SHA Coverage Notes: SHA-accredited. Verify specific service coverage at the time of visit.
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

13. Garden Specialist Hospital

Level: 4 (Private)

Garden Specialist Hospital is a highly specialised private facility located in Milimani, Nairobi, along Woodlands Road. It is SHA-accredited and known for its quality care and use of modern technology.

  • Location: Woodlands Road, Milimani, Nairobi
  • Key Services: Specialist outpatient clinics, surgical services, diagnostics, radiology, general medicine
  • SHA Coverage Notes: SHA-accredited Level 4 facility. Confirm specific services covered under SHA.
  • Operating Hours: Contact hospital for details

14. Guru Nanak Ramgarhia Sikh Hospital

Level: 4 (Community/Faith-based Private)

The Guru Nanak Ramgarhia Sikh Hospital is a community-based hospital in Nairobi providing accessible healthcare services. It serves the broader Nairobi population and is SHA-accredited.

  • Location: Nairobi (Eastleigh area)
  • Key Services: General medicine, surgery, maternity, outpatient care
  • SHA Coverage Notes: Community hospital accredited under SHA.
  • Operating Hours: Contact hospital for details

15. Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH)

Level: 6 (Public Teaching Hospital, accepts SHA)

While technically a public institution, KUTRRH is worth including here as it functions similarly to a private teaching hospital and has fully implemented SHA services. It is a Level 6 facility that accepts SHA for emergency cases and specialist referrals.

  • Location: Thika Road, near Kenyatta University Main Campus, Nairobi
  • Phone: Toll-Free: 1558 / +254 800 721038
  • Email: customercare@kutrrh.go.ke
  • Website: www.kutrrh.go.ke
  • Key Services: Emergency and trauma, surgery, oncology, renal care, neurology, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, cardiology, research
  • SHA Coverage Notes: Fully SHA-compliant. Accepts emergency cases 24 hours; patients migrate to SHIF-covered care after initial emergency stabilisation.

Summary Table: SHA Accredited Private Hospitals in Nairobi County

# Hospital Location Level 24-Hr Emergency Website
1 The Nairobi Hospital Upper Hill 5 ✅ nairobihospital.org
2 Aga Khan University Hospital Parklands 6 ✅ agakhanhospitals.org
3 M.P. Shah Hospital Parklands 5 ✅ mpshahhosp.org
4 Mater Misericordiae Hospital South B 5 ✅ materkenya.com
5 The Karen Hospital Karen 5 ✅ karenhospital.org
6 Nairobi West Hospital Nairobi West 5 ✅ nairobiwesthospital.co.ke
7 Gertrude's Children's Hospital Muthaiga 5 ✅ gerties.org
8 Mediheal Hospital (Parklands/Upper Hill) Parklands / Upper Hill 5 ✅ medihealgroup.com
9 Coptic Hospital Ngong Road 4–5 ✅ coptichospital.org
10 Avenue Healthcare Multiple 4–5 ✅ avenuehealthcare.com
11 Metropolitan Hospital Buruburu 4 ✅ —
12 Nairobi South Hospital Mombasa Road 5 ✅ —
13 Garden Specialist Hospital Milimani 4 ✅ —
14 Guru Nanak Sikh Hospital Eastleigh 4 Contact —
15 KUTRRH Thika Road 6 ✅ kutrrh.go.ke

Services Covered by SHA at Private Hospitals

While coverage varies by facility, the following services are generally available under SHA at accredited private hospitals in Nairobi:

Inpatient Services

  • General and specialist surgery (laparoscopic, orthopaedic, cardiac, neurosurgical)
  • Maternity and childbirth (including high-risk pregnancies and caesarean sections)
  • Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU) admission
  • Medical and surgical ward admissions
  • Rehabilitation and physiotherapy (inpatient)

Outpatient Services

  • Specialist consultations (cardiology, oncology, gynaecology, paediatrics, etc.)
  • General outpatient department (OPD) visits
  • Diagnostic imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, CT scans, MRI — subject to tariffs)
  • Laboratory investigations
  • Pharmacy (essential medicines list)

Chronic and Critical Illness Services

  • Dialysis (renal replacement therapy)
  • Cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy)
  • Cardiac care and cardiac catheterization
  • HIV/AIDS management and antiretroviral therapy
  • Diabetes and cardiovascular disease management

Preventive and Maternal Services

  • Antenatal and postnatal care
  • Immunisations and vaccinations
  • Family planning services
  • Newborn and neonatal intensive care (NICU)

How SHA Coverage Works at Private Hospitals: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Ensure Registration Register with SHA via the portal at www.afyayangu.go.ke, dial *147#, or register in person at any SHA facility. Carry your national ID or valid identification.

Step 2: Confirm the Hospital is SHA-Accredited Before visiting, verify that your preferred hospital is currently SHA-contracted at sha.go.ke/resources. Private hospitals can lose or gain accreditation, and coverage scope can change.

Step 3: Carry Your SHA Membership Details Bring your SHA membership number and, where applicable, your physical or digital membership card. Staff at the facility will verify your membership and entitlements.

Step 4: Understand the Referral System For non-emergency specialist care at Level 5 or 6 hospitals, SHA may require a referral from a lower-level facility (Level 3 or 4). Always ask your facility whether a referral letter is needed to activate SHA coverage.

Step 5: Confirm SHA Benefits for Your Specific Condition Discuss with the hospital's SHA desk or billing department which specific services will be covered under SHA before proceeding with treatment, particularly for high-cost procedures like dialysis or oncology.

Challenges and Important Caveats

The transition from NHIF to SHA has not been without difficulties, and patients seeking care at private facilities should be aware of the following:

  • Delayed Reimbursements: Some private hospitals have experienced payment delays from SHA, which has at times led to disruptions in service acceptance. Verify that your chosen hospital is actively accepting SHA at the time of your visit.
  • Fraud Crackdown: Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced that approximately 1,400 private hospitals were shut down due to fraud in the SHA system. This demonstrates the government's commitment to maintaining quality standards, but also means facility lists can change rapidly.
  • Service Limitations at Premium Private Facilities: Premium hospitals like Aga Khan may offer only selective SHA services. Be prepared for top-up payments on services not fully covered.
  • Means Testing Requirement: To access SHIF benefits, informal sector workers must first complete means testing. Without this, access to covered services may be limited.
  • Ongoing System Evolution: SHA is still maturing. Benefit packages, tariffs, and accredited facility lists are updated periodically. Always use the official SHA portal as the authoritative source.

Tips for Maximising Your SHA Benefits in Nairobi

  • Register promptly and ensure your contributions are up to date. Employers must remit by the 9th of each month.
  • Use lower-level facilities first where appropriate — primary care at Levels 2 and 3 is fully funded by the government under the PHCF at no direct cost to you.
  • Keep documentation: Always carry your national ID, SHA membership number, and any referral letters when visiting a hospital.
  • Download the Afya Yangu app or regularly check www.sha.go.ke to monitor your benefit balance and accredited facility updates.
  • For chronic conditions (dialysis, cancer, diabetes), identify the closest SHA-accredited specialist facility and register there as your primary care provider for that condition.
  • Report fraud or billing irregularities to the SHA Head Office at Bandari Plaza, 1st Floor, Woodvale Grove, Westlands, Nairobi or call +254 (0)20 2731443.

SHA Contact Information

Contact Type Details
SHA Head Office Bandari Plaza, Woodvale Grove, Westlands, Nairobi
SHA Phone +254 (0)20 2731443
SHA Website www.sha.go.ke
Afya Yangu Portal www.afyayangu.go.ke
USSD Registration / Queries *147#
SHA Paybill (M-Pesa contributions) 200222

Conclusion

The SHA accreditation of private hospitals in Nairobi County marks a transformative step in Kenya's pursuit of Universal Health Coverage. For millions of Nairobi residents — particularly those in the middle-income bracket who prefer the accessibility and quality of private care — SHA accreditation means they can access some of the city's finest hospitals and medical professionals at a significantly reduced personal cost.

Hospitals like The Nairobi Hospital, M.P. Shah, Aga Khan University Hospital, Mater, The Karen Hospital, and Gertrude's Children's Hospital are now within reach for SHA-registered members, even if coverage remains selective at some of these facilities. Mission-based and community hospitals such as Coptic and Metropolitan Hospital further expand the network to underserved parts of Nairobi.

As SHA continues to evolve, expand its facility network, and refine its benefit packages, the list of accredited private hospitals is expected to grow. Patients are strongly advised to verify current accreditation status directly with their chosen hospital or through the official SHA portal before seeking care.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. SHA accreditation status and covered services are subject to change. Always verify current information directly with the hospital or the Social Health Authority at sha.go.ke before seeking treatment.

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