NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has taken a major step toward expanding specialised reproductive health services after its In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) Centre reached 98 P.c completion.
The project team briefed KNH Chief Executive Officer Dr Richard Lesiyampe on the status of the facility, which is now in its final phase. Workers are completing interior finishes and installing specialised medical equipment needed for assisted reproductive procedures.
Once operational, the IVF Centre will give more Kenyans access to affordable and high-quality fertility treatment. Hospital officials say the facility will help patients who struggle with infertility, a condition that often forces families to seek costly private care or travel abroad.
The meeting brought together the Project Implementation Committee led by Dr Maureen Owiti, the Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Dr Philomena Owende, and Prof Joe Wanyoike from the University of Nairobi. Their presence highlighted the multi-disciplinary approach guiding the project.
Dr Lesiyampe said the Centre will strengthen KNH’s role as a national referral and teaching hospital. He added that public investment in specialised care helps reduce inequality in access to advanced medical services.
The hospital expects the new unit to improve clinical outcomes while also supporting research and training in reproductive medicine. Specialists will use the Centre to train doctors, nurses and embryologists, which could grow Kenya’s capacity in fertility treatment.
IVF services remain out of reach for many Kenyans due to high costs and limited facilities. Most public hospitals do not offer comprehensive assisted reproduction, leaving private clinics as the main option.
Health experts say a public IVF Centre could lower prices and expand access, especially for middle- and low-income families. It could also reduce the emotional and financial strain faced by couples seeking to conceive.
KNH did not give a firm opening date but said the final stage of works is progressing. Once equipment installation and testing end, the hospital will move to operational readiness.
The Centre is part of KNH’s wider plan to modernise its services and expand specialised care. Officials say it will place Kenya among a small group of African countries with advanced fertility treatment in a public referral hospital.
