Ministry of Health Publishes List of 36 Medical Services Not Available in Kenya
The Ministry of Health has released a list of 36 medical services that are not available in Kenya, highlighting the gaps in infrastructure, expertise and regulatory frameworks.
In a gazette notice dated September 18, 2025, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the list was compiled in collaboration with the Social Health Authority and medical experts as per the Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024.
“This is to inform the public of the services not available in Kenya as required by the Social Health Insurance Regulations,” Duale said.
Most of the missing services are advanced surgeries, complex transplant procedures and cutting edge cancer treatments.
Orthopaedic Surgeries and Transplants Missing
The ministry confirmed that Kenya has no specialized joint replacement centres, bone banks and modern implants for procedures like wrist, ankle and femoral replacements. Allograft is also not available.
Several transplants – pediatric kidney and liver transplants, bone marrow transplants and laryngeal transplants – are not available. Officials said this is due to underdeveloped pediatric nephrology services, absence of transplant units and lack of legal frameworks for complex procedures like larynx transplants.
Foetal and Paediatric Interventions
There are also significant gaps in foetal and paediatric care. Kenya has no foetal therapy centres or expertise to do delicate procedures like intrauterine blood transfusions, shunt placements, cordocentesis or foetal reduction.
Advanced Cancer and Neurological Care
The notice also pointed out the absence of advanced cancer treatments and high tech imaging services. These include peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), DOTA-TATE scans, Yttrium-90 radioembolization and CAR T-cell therapy – all of which require nuclear medicine facilities and strict regulatory approvals.
Neurological services like sacral neuromodulation, nerve ablation and proton therapy are also missing due to lack of trained specialists and advanced equipment.
Roadmap for Future Investments
According to the ministry, the gazette notice is part of efforts to promote transparency in the health sector and guide long term planning. By publishing the list, the government hopes to direct investments to priority areas and eventually reduce medical tourism.
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Ministry of Health Publishes List of 36 Medical Services Not Available in Kenya