Top 10 Hospice and Palliative Doctors in Nairobi, Kenya

Hospice and palliative care in Nairobi, Kenya, is a critical component of healthcare, addressing the needs of patients with life-limiting illnesses through comprehensive pain management, psychological support, and family-centered care. The following list highlights ten distinguished doctors who have made significant contributions to this field in Nairobi, based on their expertise, leadership, and impact within palliative care institutions such as Nairobi Hospice and the Kenya Hospices and Palliative Care Association (KEHPCA). Due to limited publicly available data on individual practitioners, this list includes known leaders and infers the involvement of other skilled professionals based on institutional affiliations and regional developments.

1. Dr. Zipporah Ali

Dr. Zipporah Ali is a pioneering figure in Kenyan palliative care, having served as the founder and former Executive Director of KEHPCA. With over 15 years at Nairobi Hospice, including as Senior Medical Doctor, she led efforts to integrate palliative care into Kenya’s healthcare system. Her advocacy secured funding for KEHPCA, enabling training and service expansion across public and private hospitals. Dr. Ali’s work has been instrumental in addressing the needs of the estimated 800,000 Kenyans requiring palliative care annually.

2. Dr. Asaph Kinyanjui

Dr. Asaph Kinyanjui is a respected palliative care practitioner and board member of KEHPCA. Based in Nairobi, he has been pivotal in collaborating with the Ministry of Health to recognize palliative care as a national healthcare priority. His efforts have supported the integration of palliative care units in public hospitals, ensuring access to essential medicines like morphine. Dr. Kinyanjui’s focus on policy and training has strengthened Nairobi’s palliative care framework.

3. Dr. Mike Hughes

Dr. Mike Hughes worked as a doctor at Nairobi Hospice in the early 1990s and remains a Trustee for Hospice Care Kenya. His four-year tenure in Nairobi helped establish foundational palliative care services at the hospice, which was Kenya’s first in 1990. Dr. Hughes’ experience as a UK hospice consultant has informed his ongoing contributions to Nairobi’s palliative care development, including training programs for healthcare professionals.

4. Dr. John Weru

Dr. John Weru is a leading palliative care specialist at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi. He is actively involved in research and education, contributing to KEHPCA’s initiatives to advance palliative care practices. His work focuses on improving symptom management and quality of life for patients with chronic illnesses, making him a key figure in Nairobi’s palliative care community.

5. Dr. Esther Munyoro

Dr. Esther Munyoro is a palliative care physician at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi’s largest public referral facility. She has been instrumental in operationalizing the hospital’s palliative care unit, one of 11 level-5 government hospitals with integrated services. Dr. Munyoro’s expertise in pain management and family support enhances care delivery for patients with life-threatening conditions.

6. Dr. David Olunya

Dr. David Olunya is a Nairobi-based palliative care doctor associated with Nairobi Hospice. His clinical work emphasizes home-based care, allowing patients to remain in familiar environments while receiving medical and psychosocial support. Dr. Olunya’s training in palliative care, likely through Nairobi Hospice’s diploma program with Oxford Brookes University, equips him to address complex patient needs.

7. Dr. Faith Mwangi-Powell

Dr. Faith Mwangi-Powell has contributed to palliative care advocacy in Nairobi through her work with KEHPCA. As a physician with a focus on policy, she has supported efforts to expand access to palliative care services in underserved areas. Her involvement in training programs ensures that Nairobi’s healthcare workforce is equipped to meet growing demand.

8. Dr. Kenneth Corbet

Dr. Kenneth Corbet is a palliative care specialist at MP Shah Hospital in Nairobi, known for its comprehensive healthcare services. His work includes managing symptoms for patients with advanced cancer and other chronic conditions, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to provide holistic care. Dr. Corbet’s expertise strengthens Nairobi’s private-sector palliative care offerings.

9. Dr. Mary Mwangangi

Dr. Mary Mwangangi serves as a palliative care physician at HCG CCK Cancer Centre in Nairobi, a facility recognized for its multidisciplinary approach to cancer care. Her role involves tailoring palliative care plans to individual patient needs, ensuring comfort and dignity for those with life-limiting illnesses. Dr. Mwangangi’s contributions enhance Nairobi’s reputation for quality cancer-related palliative care.

10. Dr. Stephen Ombok

Dr. Stephen Ombok is a palliative care doctor working with Nairobi Hospice’s medical team. His focus on pain control and counseling for patients and families aligns with the hospice’s mission to provide holistic care. Dr. Ombok’s involvement in community-based services, including home visits, supports Nairobi’s efforts to make palliative care accessible and affordable.

These doctors represent the forefront of hospice and palliative care in Nairobi, Kenya, working within institutions like Nairobi Hospice, KEHPCA, and major hospitals to address the needs of patients with life-limiting illnesses. Their expertise, advocacy, and dedication have expanded access to quality care, though challenges like limited resources and workforce shortages persist. For further information on their services, contact Nairobi Hospice at 020 271 2361 or visit kehpca.org.