Palliative care is a vital component of Kenya’s healthcare system, providing essential support to individuals living with serious or chronic illnesses. With an increasing need for services that prioritize comfort, dignity, and pain relief, Kenya’s palliative care providers are expanding to meet these demands. From free-standing hospices to community-based programs and private healthcare options, a wide variety of services are available to support patients and their families during challenging health journeys.
This article breaks down the palliative care landscape in Kenya and highlights the key providers offering these services. Whether through government hospitals, mission institutions, or private centers, palliative care providers in Kenya are dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with life-limiting conditions.
Understanding Palliative Care Providers in Kenya
Palliative care in Kenya focuses on alleviating the symptoms of patients with chronic or terminal conditions. It provides comprehensive support, including pain management, emotional support, and spiritual guidance. While palliative care does not replace medical treatment, it complements other healthcare services by focusing on enhancing the patient’s quality of life.
This type of care is offered by a range of providers, including free-standing hospices, community and faith-based organizations, mission hospitals, government institutions, and private clinics. Palliative care services are especially crucial in helping families navigate end-of-life decisions and ensuring that patients remain comfortable throughout their illness.
Free Standing Hospices in Kenya
Free-standing hospices are dedicated facilities that focus exclusively on providing palliative care. These institutions offer ongoing symptom management, counseling, and emotional support to patients with chronic conditions. Below is a list of notable free-standing hospices across Kenya:
| Hospice | County | Contacts |
|---|---|---|
| Busia Hospice at Tanaka Nursing Home | Busia | 0729833045, 0714431802 |
| Catherine McAuley Hospice Muhoroni | Kisumu | 0729099123 |
| Coast Hospice | Mombasa | 0723471737 |
| Eldoret Hospice | Uasin Gishu | 0729840271 |
| Embu Mbeere Hospice | Embu | 0725284586 |
| Kisumu Hospice | Kisumu | 0722521459 |
| Laikipia Palliative Care Centre | Laikipia | 0716088381 |
| Meru Hospice | Meru | 0722604854 |
| Nairobi Hospice | Nairobi | 0732690077, 0110095788 |
| Nakuru Hospice | Nakuru | 0720854661 |
| Nyahururu Hospice | Laikipia | 0711215741 |
| Nyeri Hospice | Nyeri | 0723517294 |
| Siaya Roselyne Hospice | Siaya | 0723742343 |
| Taita Taveta Hospice | Taita Taveta | 0714678554 |
These hospices provide continuous care for patients who require regular symptom management and offer support throughout their health journey.
Community and Faith-Based Palliative Care Units
In addition to hospice care, many community-based and faith-based organizations play a key role in delivering palliative care services in Kenya. These groups often visit patients in their homes, providing essential services like symptom relief, caregiver support, and emotional counseling. Here are some notable community-based and faith-based units:
| Facility | County | Contacts |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer’s Dementia Organisation | Nairobi | 0723471096 |
| Embu Community Focus | Embu | 0722352861 |
| JACAN Health Promotions | Homabay | 0720698324 |
| Living Room International | Uasin Gishu | 0723491125 |
| Mokason Health Care | Kisii | 0708965475 |
| Nanyuki Cancer Support Group | Laikipia | 0718979433 |
| Oasis of Hope CBO | Kericho | 0726143083 |
| ONPACC Ongata Ngong | Kajiado | 0733809526 |
| Our Lady Hospice Thigio | Kiambu | 0736531603 |
| Rehema Hospice Ringa | Homabay | 0721625584 |
These centers provide critical home-based care for patients in need of regular visits or community-level support, making palliative services more accessible.
Mission and Government Palliative Care Units
Mission hospitals in Kenya are integral to the delivery of palliative care. They combine medical treatment with spiritual and emotional support, ensuring holistic care for patients. Government hospitals also run palliative care units to ensure that even underserved populations have access to essential services. Below are examples of mission hospitals and government-run palliative care units:
Mission Hospitals:
| Hospital | County | Contacts |
|---|---|---|
| AIC Kijabe Hospital | Kiambu | 0721623648 |
| AIC Litein Mission Hospital | Kericho | 0706000873 |
| Chogoria Hospital | Tharaka Nithi | 0704433162 |
| Cottolengo Mission Hospital | Meru | 0708446204 |
Ministry of Health Units:
| Facility | County | Contacts |
|---|---|---|
| KNH Palliative Care Unit | Nairobi | 0701797596 |
| MTRH Moi Teaching Hospital | Uasin Gishu | 0721606516 |
| Kericho County Referral Hospital | Kericho | 0704826887 |
| Kiambu County Referral Hospital | Kiambu | 0722943551 |
Private Palliative Care Providers in Kenya
Private healthcare institutions also provide specialized palliative care services, including advanced diagnostic services and long-term care. Many private hospitals run cancer centers and offer personalized hospice care. Some prominent private palliative care providers are:
| Facility | County | Contacts |
|---|---|---|
| Aga Khan University Hospital | Nairobi | 0722676711 |
| Alexandria Cancer Centre | Eldoret/Nakuru | 0743909193 / 0722303869 |
| HCG CCK Cancer Centre MP Shah | Nairobi | 0789354953 |
| Gynocare Women and Fistula Hospital | Uasin Gishu | 0722426878 |
Where to Get Help and More Information
For more information on palliative care services in Kenya, individuals can contact the Kenya Hospices and Palliative Care Association (KEHPCA), which coordinates most of the palliative care activities across the country.
KEHPCA Contacts:
- Phone: 0722507219
- Email: [email protected]
- Location: Top Plaza, 2nd Floor, Kindaruma Road, Nairobi







