NAIROBI, Kenya — The Ministry of Health has officially listed 36 specialised medical services that are currently unavailable in Kenya, citing infrastructure gaps, a shortage of skilled specialists, and the absence of legal and regulatory frameworks.
In a gazette notice dated September 18, 2025, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the list was compiled in consultation with the Social Health Authority and medical experts, in line with the Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024.
“This notice to the public outlines healthcare services not available in Kenya, as required under the Social Health Insurance Regulations,” Duale stated.
Most of the unavailable services fall under highly specialised surgeries, advanced cancer care, and complex transplant procedures.
Joint Replacements and Transplants Missing
The Ministry noted that Kenya lacks dedicated joint replacement centres, bone banks, and advanced implants needed for complex orthopaedic procedures.
This has left gaps in services such as wrist, ankle, and metacarpal arthroplasty, femoral and tibial replacements, and the use of allografts.
Several transplant services, including paediatric kidney and liver transplants, bone marrow transplants, and laryngeal transplants, are also absent.
Officials attributed this to underdeveloped paediatric nephrology, lack of transplant units, and missing legal frameworks to regulate procedures like larynx transplants.
Foetal and Paediatric Interventions Unavailable
The notice highlighted major gaps in intrauterine and foetal care.
Kenya currently lacks foetal therapy centres and the expertise to provide procedures such as intrauterine blood transfusions, shunt placement, foetal reduction, cordocentesis, and other delicate interventions.
Advanced Cancer and Neurological Care
Cutting-edge cancer treatments and diagnostic imaging technologies are also missing.
Services such as peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), DOTA-TATE scans, Yttrium-90 radioembolization, and CAR T-cell therapy are unavailable due to the lack of nuclear medicine facilities and approved regulatory pathways.
In neurology, procedures like sacral neuromodulation, nerve ablation, and proton therapy are not offered, largely due to the absence of specialised equipment and trained personnel.
The Ministry said the gazette notice is part of a broader effort to improve transparency in the health sector and guide investment in priority areas under the Social Health Insurance framework.
The publication is expected to inform both policy and planning, as Kenya works to expand access to specialised services domestically and reduce the reliance on costly referrals abroad.
