Nairobi, Kenya, October 29, 2025 — National carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) has signed a partnership with the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) to strengthen medical tourism across Africa, positioning Kenya as a leading hub for specialized healthcare on the continent.
The collaboration, executed through KQ Health, merges the airline’s vast regional network with AKUH’s advanced medical expertise to deliver seamless travel and treatment experiences for patients.
Integrated Medical Travel Experience
Under the agreement, KQ Health will manage all travel logistics — including medical clearances, in-flight medical support, and ambulance transfers from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) directly to the hospital.
Meanwhile, Aga Khan University Hospital will provide specialized care in oncology, cardiology, surgery, and critical care, ensuring that patients receive top-tier medical attention immediately upon arrival.
KQ Group CEO Allan Kilavuka said the partnership shows how aviation can go beyond transport to deliver meaningful social impact.
“By working with Aga Khan University Hospital, we’re connecting people not just to destinations, but to services that can change lives,” Kilavuka said.
Promoting Kenya as a Healthcare Destination
AKUH CEO Rashid Khalani described the deal as a milestone for both Kenya’s healthcare sector and the broader African region.
“This partnership showcases that world-class healthcare can be accessed right here in Africa,” he said.
“For too long, patients from across the continent have had to travel overseas for treatment. Now, they can come to Kenya and receive the same quality of care closer to home.”
Khalani noted that the partnership aims to position Kenya as a trusted healthcare destination while encouraging collaboration between hospitals and airlines to expand access to care across the country.
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Untapped Potential in Medical Tourism
Kenya’s medical tourism sector remains small, with fewer than 8,000 foreign patients seeking treatment in 2024, according to sector estimates.
A joint report by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and Kenya’s Ministry of Health placed the number at between 3,000 and 5,000 medical tourists annually — highlighting a vast, untapped opportunity.
Experts say partnerships like the KQ–AKUH collaboration could help Kenya attract patients who currently travel to India, South Africa, or Turkey for specialized care.
For more details on KQ Health services, visit Kenya Airways’ official site or learn more about Aga Khan University Hospital’s medical programs on their official website.
Additional background on Kenya’s health investment outlook can be found via the World Health Organization (WHO), Kenya Ministry of Health, and UNCTAD’s African health sector report.
