Which hospital is best for heart surgery in Kenya?
For heart surgery in Kenya, Tenwek Hospital in Bomet stands out as the leading facility in 2026. Its dedicated Cardiothoracic Centre, opened in late 2024, is the largest specialized unit in sub-Saharan Africa. It handles up to 2,000 open-heart cases yearly, far exceeding others. The centre excels in complex procedures like valve replacements, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and congenital repairs. With a reported perioperative mortality of around 2.1% over years of data, outcomes match or surpass regional standards. It attracts patients continent-wide and serves as a training hub, drawing skilled local and international teams.
In Nairobi, Aga Khan University Hospital ranks highly for advanced cardiac care. Its Heart Centre offers full open-heart surgery, including bypass, valve repair/replacement, and endovascular procedures. Internationally accredited (JCI), it emphasizes high standards, dedicated ICU, and experienced cardiothoracic surgeons. Many view it as premier for private-sector complex cases.
The Nairobi Hospital maintains a strong heart centre with comprehensive cardiac services, popular among locals for reliability and critical care support.
MP Shah Hospital features advanced cardiac programs, often highlighted for modern facilities and partnerships.
The Karen Hospital performs diverse open-heart surgeries (CABG, valve, congenital defects) with high procedure volumes.
Public options like Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) handle many cases as the main referral centre, while Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH) invests in state-of-the-art cardiac units for affordable care.
Tenwek leads for volume, dedicated infrastructure, and regional impact in open-heart surgery. Nairobi private hospitals (Aga Khan, Nairobi Hospital) excel in technology, accreditation, and consistent outcomes for those prioritizing urban access and premium care.
Choice depends on case complexity, urgency, cost, and location. Consult specialists and review recent patient experiences for the best fit.
