20 Pediatric Anesthesiologists in Nairobi, Kenya

Pediatric anesthesiology is a critical medical specialty focused on providing safe and effective anesthesia care for infants, children, and adolescents undergoing surgical or diagnostic procedures. In Nairobi, Kenya, the demand for pediatric anesthesiologists is significant due to a large pediatric population, with approximately 47% of Kenya’s population being under 18 years old. However, the number of trained pediatric anesthesiologists remains limited, with only a handful of specialists available as of 2014. This article explores the landscape of pediatric anesthesiology in Nairobi, highlights key professionals and institutions, and provides contact information where possible.

The Role of Pediatric Anesthesiologists

Pediatric anesthesiologists are trained to manage the unique physiological and psychological needs of children during medical procedures. Their expertise includes administering anesthesia, monitoring vital signs, and ensuring patient safety before, during, and after surgery. In Nairobi, these specialists work in tertiary hospitals, teaching institutions, and private facilities, often collaborating with pediatric surgeons and other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive care.

Challenges in Pediatric Anesthesiology in Nairobi

Kenya faces a shortage of pediatric anesthesiologists, with only five qualified specialists reported in 2014 for a population of 45 million, 43% of whom were under 15. This scarcity is compounded by challenges such as limited access to specialized training, uneven distribution of healthcare professionals (with most based in urban areas like Nairobi), and high perioperative mortality rates in low-resource settings. Despite these challenges, efforts like the University of Nairobi’s Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship, established in 2013, have trained nine specialists from five East African countries by 2025, improving regional capacity.

Key Institutions Providing Pediatric Anesthesia Services in Nairobi

Several hospitals in Nairobi offer pediatric anesthesia services, supported by trained anesthesiologists and multidisciplinary teams. Below are prominent institutions and their contact details:

1. Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)
   KNH is Kenya’s largest referral and teaching hospital, affiliated with the University of Nairobi. It houses a Department of Anesthesiology and employs pediatric anesthesiologists like Dr. Susane Nabulindo.

   • Contact: +254 20 2726300, +254 709854000, +254 730643000
   • Email: knhadmin@knh.or.ke
   • Location: P.O. Box 20723-00202, Nairobi

2. Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH)
   KUTRRH’s Pediatric Surgical Unit includes pediatric anesthesiologists who support emergency and elective surgeries for children aged 0–12 years.

   • Contact: +254 155 8202000
   • Email: info@kutrrh.go.ke
   • Location: Northern Bypass, Kahawa West, Nairobi

3. Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH)
   AKUH provides advanced pediatric care, including anesthesia services, and is known for its multidisciplinary approach.

   • Contact: +254 111 011 888, +254 730 011 888
   • Email: akuh.nairobi@aku.edu
   • Location: 3rd Parklands Avenue, Limuru Road, Nairobi

4. Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital
   As the most established pediatric hospital in East and Central Africa, Gertrude’s offers specialized anesthesia for over 300,000 outpatients and 9,000 inpatients annually.

   • Contact: +254 720 6000, +254 730 645 000
   • Email: info@gerties.org
   • Location: 34 Muthaiga Road, Nairobi

5. The Nairobi Hospital
   This tertiary private hospital provides pediatric surgical services, likely supported by anesthesiologists with pediatric expertise.

   • Contact: +254 703 082000
   • Email: hosp@nbihosp.org
   • Location: Argwings Kodhek Road, Nairobi

6. Nairobi West Hospital
   The hospital’s Paediatric Department collaborates with anesthesiologists for surgical interventions in children.

   • Contact: +254 730 600000
   • Email: info@nairobiwesthospital.com
   • Location: Gandhi Avenue, Nairobi

Notable Pediatric Anesthesiologists in Nairobi

While a comprehensive list of 20 pediatric anesthesiologists is not feasible due to limited public data, below are known specialists and general anesthesiologists in Nairobi who may provide pediatric care:

1. Dr. Susane Nabulindo Masakhwe
   A consultant pediatric anesthesiologist at Kenyatta National Hospital and lecturer at the University of Nairobi. She was among the first graduates of the University of Nairobi’s Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship.

   • Contact: Available through KNH (+254 20 2726300)

2. Dr. Mark Gacii
   A leader in the University of Nairobi’s Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship, contributing to training specialists in East Africa.

   • Contact: Available through University of Nairobi, Department of Anesthesiology (+254 20 4915000)

3. Dr. Emma Mutio
   A fellow in pediatric anesthesiology, previously associated with Kijabe Hospital and the University of Nairobi program.

   • Contact: Limited direct contact; inquire through KNH or Kijabe Hospital (+254 709 728200)

4. Dr. Richard Kabuye
   Another fellow from the University of Nairobi’s program, specializing in pediatric anesthesia.

   • Contact: Available through KNH (+254 20 2726300)

General Anesthesiologists in Nairobi

Due to the shortage of pediatric anesthesiologists, general anesthesiologists often provide care for pediatric cases. Below are some anesthesiologists based in Nairobi, as listed by public sources, who may handle pediatric procedures:

5. Dr. Allan Ayiro

   • Location: Cnr Limuru Road & Third Parklands Avenue, Nairobi
   • Contact: Inquire through Aga Khan University Hospital (+254 111 011 888)

6. Dr. Kevin Otieno Arunga

   • Contact: Available through Nairobi Hospital (+254 703 082000)

7. Dr. Simon Ogari Arama

   • Contact: Inquire through KNH (+254 20 2726300)

8. Dr. Charles Okwemba Anangwe

   • Contact: Available through Nairobi West Hospital (+254 730 600000)

9. Dr. Roshni Manishkumar Ajmera

   • Contact: Inquire through AKUH (+254 111 011 888)

10. Dr. Samuel Onyango Adongo

    • Contact: Available through KNH (+254 20 2726300)

Note: The above anesthesiologists are not confirmed pediatric specialists but may provide anesthesia for children. Contact their affiliated hospitals for verification.

Accessing Pediatric Anesthesiologists in Nairobi

To locate a pediatric anesthesiologist, consider the following steps:

• Contact Major Hospitals: Reach out to KNH, KUTRRH, AKUH, or Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital for specialist referrals.
• Consult the Kenya Society of Anaesthesia: This professional body may provide a directory of anesthesiologists.
  • Contact: +254 723 553 553
  • Website: www.anaesthesiakenya.co.ke
• University of Nairobi’s Department of Anesthesiology: As a training hub, they can guide you to fellows or graduates.
  • Contact: +254 20 4915000
• Private Clinics: Facilities like Hurlingham Children’s Clinic or The Nairobi Hospital may contract pediatric anesthesiologists for surgeries.

Future of Pediatric Anesthesiology in Nairobi

The University of Nairobi’s Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship, supported by the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA) and other international partners, is a beacon of progress. Since 2013, it has trained specialists like Dr. Tsitsi Chimhundu-Sithole from Zimbabwe, who aim to address regional gaps. Continued investment in training, infrastructure, and equitable distribution of specialists will enhance access to safe anesthesia for Kenyan children.

 

While Nairobi hosts some of East Africa’s finest pediatric anesthesiologists, the current number falls short of the ideal 20 specialists. Professionals like Dr. Susane Nabulindo and Dr. Mark Gacii lead the field, supported by institutions like KNH and KUTRRH. For families seeking care, contacting major hospitals or the Kenya Society of Anaesthesia is the best approach. As training programs expand, Nairobi is poised to strengthen its pediatric anesthesia capacity, ensuring safer surgical outcomes for children.

References

• University of Nairobi Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship. spaglobal.pedsanesthesia.org
• Susane Nabulindo. en.wikipedia.org
• List of Anesthesiologists in Kenya. victormatara.com
• Kenyatta National Hospital. knh.or.ke
• KUTRRH Pediatric Surgery Services. kutrrh.go.ke