KENYA – Marengo Asia Hospitals has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kenya’s Metropolitan Hospitals and private equity firm Zoscales Partners to develop specialized Centres of Excellence (CoEs) at Metropolitan Hospital in Nairobi.
This collaboration, under Marengo’s Clinical Corridor Initiative, aims to enhance accessibility to high-quality healthcare across East Africa, providing vital services to underserved populations.
The initiative will utilize Marengo Asia Hospitals’ extensive experience in clinical capabilities to position Metropolitan Hospital as a leading hub for advanced healthcare services in East Africa.
By focusing on developing Centres of Excellence in key specialties, this partnership seeks to establish Metropolitan Hospital as a regional leader in tertiary care.
“We are committed to sharing our expertise from India to support Metropolitan Hospitals in expanding access to world-class healthcare in East Africa,” said Dr. Raajiv Singhal, CEO of Marengo Asia Hospitals.
“Through our Clinical Corridors, founded on the principles of Teach, Train, and Treat, we’re aiming to elevate healthcare standards on a global scale.”
An expanding healthcare hub in Nairobi
Located in Buruburu, Nairobi, Metropolitan Hospital is a 160-bed Level 5 facility known for high-quality, affordable care for Eastland’s communities.
Founded in 1994, Metropolitan Hospital was created by a group of medical professionals aiming to fill the healthcare gap for Nairobi’s underserved populations.
Over the years, Metropolitan has grown through strategic partnerships and expansions, becoming a trusted healthcare provider with services like emergency care, imaging, and intensive care.
“This partnership enables us to greatly enhance our reach and amplify our impact across East Africa,” said Dr. K. K. Gakombe, Founder and CEO of Metropolitan Hospitals.
“Upgrading our clinical services not only improves care quality but makes it accessible to a larger population at an affordable rate.“
Kenya expands efforts to lead medical tourism in Africa
Kenya is positioning itself as East Africa’s leading destination for medical tourism, welcoming referrals from neighboring countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, and even further afield.
According to Kenya’s 2022 Tourism Sector Performance Report, nearly 8,000 people visited the country for medical treatment within the first eight months alone, indicating robust growth in the healthcare sector.
The Kenyan government has been working to strengthen its healthcare system through initiatives like Universal Health Coverage (UHC), along with investments in advanced medical facilities.
Several hospitals in Kenya, including Kenyatta National Hospital and Aga Khan University Hospital, have received international accreditation, making Kenya increasingly attractive for medical tourism.
Additionally, new facilities, such as the soon-to-operate East Africa Kidney Institute, further position Kenya as a center for specialized healthcare in the region.
The upcoming expansion of Metropolitan Hospital in Nairobi will further support Kenya’s vision to be a leader in specialized healthcare.
Set to be developed into a “Centre of Excellence” in partnership with Marengo Asia Hospitals and Zoscales Partners, the hospital will serve as a specialized facility for advanced treatments, reinforcing Kenya’s ability to treat complex cases in-country.
This initiative complements the government’s strategy by addressing unmet healthcare needs, reducing outbound medical referrals, and attracting patients from across the continent who seek specialized, affordable care.
Strengthening Kenya’s position in Africa’s medical tourism
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua recently announced plans to boost Kenya’s medical tourism through strategic marketing and healthcare improvements.
“Kenya already draws significant numbers from the region, but we aim to make it a true medical hub in Africa,” said Mutua.
Upcoming plans include an outreach program targeting COMESA countries through roadshows, billboards, and exhibitions to raise awareness of Kenya’s healthcare offerings.
Mutua’s strategy also involves launching a dedicated portal where local and international patients can find reliable information on Kenyan hospitals, services, and prices. “This portal will empower patients with transparent healthcare options in Kenya,” he stated.
Additionally, the government is working with hospitals and the hospitality sector to offer seamless packages, integrating treatment with accommodations and cultural experiences.
To raise healthcare standards and foster trust, the government plans to implement international healthcare protocols and a rating system for local hospitals.
Mutua emphasized the importance of continuous professional development for healthcare providers and said the ministry would support training programs and partnerships with international institutions to ensure that Kenyan medical facilities stay updated with global advancements.
