Pediatric Hospitals and Clinics in Nairobi: A Guide to Children’s Healthcare Providers
Finding a reliable pediatric hospital or clinic in Nairobi is important for parents seeking quality medical care for babies, children and adolescents. Nairobi has specialist children’s hospitals, hospital-based pediatric departments and dedicated outpatient clinics offering vaccinations, newborn care, childhood illness treatment, developmental assessments and specialist consultations.
This guide explores established pediatric hospitals and clinics in Nairobi, the services they provide, their locations and publicly listed contact details. It includes both comprehensive hospitals and smaller specialist clinics to help parents identify suitable facilities for different healthcare needs.
Regular pediatric check-ups help monitor a child’s health, growth and development. Image published by M.P. Shah Hospital.
Understanding Pediatric Healthcare Services
Pediatrics is the branch of medicine concerned with the health and development of infants, children and adolescents. Pediatricians are trained to diagnose, treat and prevent illnesses affecting children at different stages of growth.
A pediatric hospital or clinic may provide general consultations, immunisation, newborn assessments, nutritional advice, emergency care and specialist treatment. Larger hospitals may also have neonatal intensive care units, pediatric intensive care units, pediatric surgery and specialist departments.
Common Services Offered by Pediatric Hospitals and Clinics
General pediatric consultations: Assessment and treatment of common childhood illnesses.
Newborn care: Medical assessments, feeding support and monitoring of newborn babies.
Well-baby clinics: Routine examinations, growth monitoring and developmental reviews.
Vaccination and immunisation: Childhood vaccines and catch-up immunisation guidance.
Neonatal services: Specialised care for newborns, including premature and medically vulnerable babies.
Pediatric emergency services: Assessment and stabilisation of children requiring urgent attention.
Paediatric surgery: Surgical assessment and procedures for conditions affecting children.
Specialist consultations: Cardiology, neurology, respiratory medicine, endocrinology and other subspecialties.
Nutrition services: Advice on feeding, growth, childhood nutrition and dietary concerns.
Developmental assessments: Evaluation of speech, movement, learning and behavioural development.
Children are not simply small adults. Their medical needs change as they grow, making age-appropriate assessment, treatment and follow-up essential.
Leading Pediatric Hospitals and Clinics in Nairobi
The following facilities provide documented pediatric or child-health services in Nairobi. The list includes specialist hospitals, general hospitals with pediatric departments and dedicated children’s clinics. It is a directory rather than a clinical ranking.
1. Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital – Muthaiga
Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital is a specialist children’s healthcare institution located along Muthaiga Road. It is one of the best-known dedicated pediatric hospitals in Nairobi, providing medical services for infants, children and young people.
The hospital provides general pediatrics alongside specialised services. Its publicly listed specialties include pediatric cardiology, neurology, nephrology, gastroenterology, respiratory medicine, allergy care, oncology, neonatology, dermatology, ophthalmology and pediatric surgery.
Other services include outpatient consultations, inpatient care, accident and emergency services, immunisation, laboratory investigations, radiology and rehabilitation. The hospital also operates outpatient medical centres in several parts of Nairobi, making routine child healthcare more accessible to families outside Muthaiga.
Selected Nairobi branches
Branch
Location
Contact
Main Hospital
34 Muthaiga Road
020 720 6000
Lavington Medical Centre
Othaya Road, off Gitanga Road
020 720 6002
Donholm Medical Centre
Manyanja Road, off Donholm Roundabout
020 720 6003
Nairobi West Medical Centre
T-Mall, 3rd Floor, Langata Road
020 720 6004
Pangani Medical Centre
Juja Road, next to Pangani Girls
020 720 6005
Embakasi Medical Centre
North Airport Road, near City Cabanas
020 720 6006
Buru Buru Medical Centre
The Point Mall, Rabai Road
020 720 6012
Sarit Medical Centre
Sarit Centre, 2nd Floor
020 720 6014
Junction Mall Medical Centre
The Junction Mall, 4th Floor, Ngong Road
020 720 6015
Main hospital contacts: 020 720 6000, 0730 645 000 and 0709 529 000.
Website:Gertrude’s Children’s HospitalSuitable for: Families seeking dedicated pediatric care, specialist consultations, hospital admission and access to a wider network of children’s outpatient centres.
2. Kenyatta National Hospital – Department of Paediatrics
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) is a major public referral and teaching hospital in Nairobi. Its Department of Paediatrics provides medical services for children and manages both general and complex pediatric conditions.
The hospital lists specialised pediatric services in cardiology, neurology, endocrinology, nephrology, infectious diseases, pulmonology, oncology, critical care, gastroenterology and neonatology.
Its pediatric facilities include specialised wards, a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, a Newborn Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The hospital also provides a pediatric emergency unit, outpatient consultant clinics, immunisation, nutrition services and well-baby care.
KNH is an important option for families whose children require specialist assessment, referral-based care or more advanced hospital treatment. As a public referral hospital, patients should enquire about referral procedures, clinic schedules and the applicable payment arrangements.
Suitable for: Children requiring public referral services, specialist pediatric treatment, neonatal services and hospital-based care for complex conditions.
3. Aga Khan University Hospital – Children’s Hospital
Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi operates a dedicated Children’s Hospital within its main Parklands facility. The department provides pediatric care through general consultations and specialist clinics.
Its publicly listed pediatric services include newborn care, well-baby services, developmental pediatrics, allergy care, pediatric diabetes and endocrinology, rheumatology, cardiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, hepatology, nutrition, haemato-oncology, neurology and adolescent medicine.
The hospital also provides children’s ward services, a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, dental services, a vaccination centre and pediatric casualty services. These services make it an option for families seeking coordinated specialist treatment within a large tertiary hospital.
Parents can contact the hospital to arrange consultations, enquire about specialist availability and confirm whether a child needs a referral before attending a particular clinic.
4. M.P. Shah Hospital – Children’s Hospital and Paediatric Specialty Clinic
M.P. Shah Hospital is a multispecialty private hospital located along Shivachi Road in Parklands. Its Children’s Hospital and Paediatric Specialty Clinic provide child-focused medical services, including specialist assessment and treatment.
The hospital’s published pediatric specialty information includes speech therapy, allergy care, haemato-oncology, adolescent medicine, endocrinology, dermatology, pulmonology, neurology, mental health, nephrology and cardiology.
The hospital also describes children’s emergency services and neonatal intensive care. Families can enquire about newborn treatment, pediatric consultations, specialist appointments, admission and emergency arrangements.
Paediatric reception area at M.P. Shah Hospital. Image published by the hospital.
Information
Details
Facility
M.P. Shah Hospital
Department
Children’s Hospital and Paediatric Specialty Clinic
Suitable for: Children who need general pediatric care, specialist consultations, diagnostics and access to hospital-based treatment.
5. The Karen Hospital – Paediatric Department
The Karen Hospital is a multispecialty hospital located along Langata Road in Karen. Its Paediatric Department includes an outpatient clinic and an inpatient unit designed for children.
The hospital lists pediatric critical care, pediatric surgery, child psychiatry, pediatric cardiology, neurology and neurosurgery, ENT and audiology, pediatric orthopaedics, growth and developmental care and speech therapy among its services.
Its published paediatric information also refers to immunisation and a child-focused inpatient environment. Parents should contact the hospital to confirm the relevant clinic, consultant availability and current arrangements for outpatient attendance.
Paediatric and child health services. Image published by The Karen Hospital.
Suitable for: Families seeking outpatient and inpatient pediatric services, specialist consultations and hospital-based treatment in the Karen area.
6. Nairobi South Hospital – Paediatrics Department
Nairobi South Hospital provides pediatric services for children in its South C and Eastleigh service areas. Its Paediatrics Department describes care ranging from newborn check-ups to the assessment and treatment of common childhood illnesses.
Parents can contact the relevant branch to ask about pediatric consultations, immunisation, clinic timetables and the availability of specific clinicians. The hospital also publishes a 24-hour hospital service, but families should confirm the availability of a pediatric clinician at the time they intend to visit.
Branch
Location
Contact
South C
South C, Nairobi
0721 700 408
Eastleigh
Eastleigh, Nairobi
0742 700 408
Website:Nairobi South Hospital – PaediatricsSuitable for: Parents looking for child health consultations and newborn or childhood illness assessment in South C and Eastleigh.
7. Mater Hospital – Kasarani Medical Centre
Mater Hospital operates medical centres in Nairobi, including the Kasarani Medical Centre at Thika Road Mall. Its published clinic information includes pediatric and child welfare services on selected days.
The Kasarani centre is an outpatient medical facility. Its published timetable lists a pediatric clinic and child welfare services on Monday mornings, as well as child welfare services on Saturdays. Since clinic schedules can change, parents should call before visiting to confirm the availability of the pediatric service.
Suitable for: Families in Kasarani and along Thika Road seeking scheduled pediatric and child welfare outpatient services.
8. The Honeybee Children’s Clinic – Hurlingham
The Honeybee Children’s Clinic is a child-focused outpatient clinic located along Jabavu Lane in the Hurlingham area of Nairobi. Its services are designed for infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
The clinic’s published services include neonatal care, well-child checks, health surveillance, developmental assessments, vaccinations, sick visits and antenatal discussions. It also advertises a 24-hour emergency telephone advice service for parents who need guidance.
The Honeybee Children’s Clinic premises. Image published by the clinic.
Suitable for: Parents looking for a dedicated child-focused clinic for routine check-ups, vaccinations, newborn care and common childhood illnesses.
9. Kilimani Children’s Clinic
Kilimani Children’s Clinic is a dedicated pediatric healthcare provider with its main clinic around Denis Pritt Road and Likoni Lane in Kilimani. It also lists a South B branch along Kapiti Road in Kapiti Estate.
The clinic provides pediatric consultations, vaccinations, pharmacy and laboratory services. Its wider child-health offering includes speech therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, lactation support, dental care, allergy services, ophthalmology, ENT and child psychology.
The clinic publishes information about its pediatric consultants and offers appointment booking, walk-in arrangements and weekend services. Parents should confirm the availability of a specific specialist or service at their preferred branch.
Suitable for: Families seeking regular pediatric consultations, vaccinations and allied child-health services in Kilimani or South B.
10. VivaLife Healthcare and Children’s Clinic – Bishop’s Road
VivaLife Healthcare and Children’s Clinic is a Nairobi healthcare practice that provides pediatric consultations and family-focused medical services. Its published information identifies Dr Claire Mueni Ngeta as a pediatrician with experience in child healthcare.
The clinic promotes personalised consultations, same-day appointments and in-house laboratory services. It also lists a number of medical insurance partners. Parents should confirm the available pediatric appointment times, current insurance arrangements and any additional services before visiting.
Information
Details
Facility
VivaLife Healthcare and Children’s Clinic
Location
Flat A6, Fort Granite Flats, Bishop’s Road, off Valley Road, Nairobi
Suitable for: Families seeking outpatient pediatric consultations, personalised care and access to in-house diagnostic services.
Comparison of Pediatric Hospitals and Clinics in Nairobi
The following table summarises the facilities covered in this guide. The level of care varies: some are full hospitals with inpatient and emergency capacity, while others mainly provide outpatient consultations and scheduled clinics.
Facility
Area
Key pediatric services
Type of facility
Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital
Muthaiga and multiple Nairobi branches
General pediatrics, specialist clinics, surgery, inpatient and emergency care
Specialist children’s hospital and clinics
Kenyatta National Hospital
Upper Hill
General and specialist pediatrics, PICU, NICU, emergency and outpatient care
Public referral hospital
Aga Khan University Hospital
Parklands
Specialist clinics, newborn care, PICU, vaccination and casualty
Tertiary teaching hospital
M.P. Shah Hospital
Parklands
Children’s Hospital, specialty clinics and emergency services
Private multispecialty hospital
The Karen Hospital
Karen
Outpatient and inpatient pediatrics, surgery and specialist services
Private multispecialty hospital
Nairobi South Hospital
South C and Eastleigh
Newborn check-ups and childhood illness care
Hospital with pediatric department
Mater Kasarani Medical Centre
Kasarani
Pediatric clinic and child welfare services on scheduled days
Outpatient medical centre
The Honeybee Children’s Clinic
Hurlingham
Newborn care, vaccinations, well-child checks and sick visits
Dedicated pediatric clinic
Kilimani Children’s Clinic
Kilimani and South B
Consultations, vaccination, laboratory and allied child-health services
Dedicated children’s clinic
VivaLife Children’s Clinic
Bishop’s Road
Pediatric consultations and diagnostic services
Outpatient clinic
How to Choose a Pediatric Hospital or Clinic in Nairobi
The most suitable facility depends on your child’s age, symptoms, medical history and the type of treatment required. A clinic that is convenient for vaccinations may not have the inpatient or emergency facilities needed for a seriously ill child.
1. Consider the Type of Medical Care Needed
For routine check-ups, vaccinations and common childhood illnesses, a dedicated outpatient pediatric clinic may be suitable. For serious infections, complicated conditions, surgery or hospital admission, consider a hospital with the appropriate specialist and inpatient facilities.
2. Check the Availability of Pediatric Specialists
Some children require more than general pediatric consultations. If your child needs treatment for a heart condition, neurological disorder, respiratory illness, kidney disease or another specialised condition, ask whether the facility has the relevant pediatric specialist.
3. Review Emergency and Inpatient Facilities
Parents of children with complex medical needs may prefer a hospital with a pediatric emergency unit, children’s ward, neonatal services or pediatric intensive care. Confirm that the relevant unit is available before relying on a facility for emergency treatment.
4. Consider Location and Accessibility
Choose a facility that is reasonably accessible from home, school or work. For regular appointments, a nearby clinic can make follow-up visits easier. For specialist care, the clinical services available may be more important than distance alone.
5. Confirm Insurance and Payment Options
Ask whether the facility accepts your private medical insurance or SHA arrangements, and whether the particular pediatric service is covered. Confirm consultation fees, deposits, co-payments and any exclusions before treatment where possible.
6. Check the Facility’s Registration and Licensing
Parents can use the Kenya Master Health Facility Registry to check facility details, location, operational status and other published information. You can also confirm the professional registration of individual practitioners through the relevant regulatory bodies.
Facility directory:Kenya Master Health Facility Registry
Before choosing a healthcare facility, look beyond convenience. Confirm that the service you need is actually available, that the relevant clinician is scheduled and that the facility can manage your child’s level of medical need.
Common Reasons to Visit a Pediatric Clinic
Parents may take their children to a pediatrician for preventive care, routine medical assessment or treatment of an illness. Common reasons include:
Fever, cough, colds and respiratory infections.
Diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation and abdominal pain.
Skin rashes, allergies and eczema.
Ear infections and recurring throat problems.
Feeding difficulties and poor weight gain.
Routine immunisation and catch-up vaccination.
Growth monitoring and developmental assessments.
Sleep, behaviour and childhood mental health concerns.
Newborn assessments and premature baby follow-up.
Chronic conditions requiring ongoing medical supervision.
When Should a Child Be Taken to Hospital Immediately?
Some childhood symptoms require urgent medical attention. Parents and caregivers should not delay seeking help when a child appears seriously unwell.
Difficulty breathing, severe chest indrawing or blue lips.
Seizures or loss of consciousness.
Unusual drowsiness, confusion or difficulty waking the child.
Severe dehydration or inability to keep fluids down.
Serious injury, uncontrolled bleeding or suspected poisoning.
A newborn with fever, poor feeding, breathing difficulty or unusual weakness.
A rapidly worsening condition or any situation that causes serious concern about the child’s safety.
For an emergency, seek immediate care at an appropriate emergency department or call emergency services. Do not wait for a routine clinic appointment or rely on an online directory to assess an urgent medical condition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Hospitals in Nairobi
1. Which is a specialist children’s hospital in Nairobi?
Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital is a dedicated specialist children’s hospital in Nairobi. Other hospitals, including Kenyatta National Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital and M.P. Shah Hospital, also provide extensive pediatric services.
2. Where can I take my newborn for a medical check-up in Nairobi?
Parents can enquire about newborn and well-baby services at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital, M.P. Shah Hospital and dedicated pediatric clinics such as The Honeybee Children’s Clinic and Kilimani Children’s Clinic. Confirm newborn service availability and appointment requirements before visiting.
3. Which hospitals in Nairobi provide pediatric emergency care?
Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, M.P. Shah Hospital and The Karen Hospital publish information about pediatric or hospital emergency services. Contact the facility or proceed to an appropriate emergency department when a child needs urgent attention.
4. Where can I take my child for vaccinations in Nairobi?
Vaccination services are listed by several providers, including Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, The Karen Hospital, The Honeybee Children’s Clinic and Kilimani Children’s Clinic. Ask about vaccine availability, appointment times and the current cost of any vaccine not covered by your insurance or public programme.
5. Are there pediatric clinics in Kilimani and Hurlingham?
Yes. Kilimani Children’s Clinic operates around Denis Pritt Road and Likoni Lane, while The Honeybee Children’s Clinic is located along Jabavu Lane in Hurlingham. Both publish child-focused medical services and appointment information.
6. Which hospitals offer specialised pediatric treatment?
Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital and M.P. Shah Hospital publish information about specialised pediatric services. These include areas such as cardiology, neurology, nephrology, respiratory medicine and oncology. The exact specialist and clinic schedule should be confirmed directly with the hospital.
7. Can I use private medical insurance for children’s hospital treatment?
Many private hospitals and clinics work with medical insurance providers, but accepted insurers and covered benefits vary. Contact the hospital and insurer to confirm whether the specific consultation, procedure or admission is covered and whether pre-authorisation is required.
8. Do pediatric clinics provide developmental assessments?
Some clinics and hospitals provide developmental assessments or specialist referrals. Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital and The Honeybee Children’s Clinic list developmental services, while other providers may offer speech therapy, occupational therapy, child psychology or specialist developmental consultations.
9. What should I carry when taking my child to a pediatrician?
Carry the child’s medical records, immunisation booklet, previous test results, medication details and any referral letter. For a newborn, bring relevant birth and discharge information where available. Keep a record of the symptoms and when they started.
10. Should I book an appointment before visiting a pediatric clinic?
Booking is recommended for routine consultations and specialist clinics because the doctor may only attend on selected days. Some facilities also accept walk-ins. Always call ahead to confirm availability, but do not delay emergency care while waiting for an appointment.
Why Choose a Professional Pediatric Hospital or Clinic?
Professional pediatric healthcare providers offer services designed around children’s physical, emotional and developmental needs. Choosing an appropriate facility can support early diagnosis, effective treatment and continuity of care.
Child-specific medical expertise: Pediatricians are trained to assess and treat medical conditions affecting infants, children and adolescents.
Early diagnosis: Routine assessments can help identify health and developmental concerns.
Vaccination support: Clinics can help parents follow recommended immunisation schedules.
Specialist referrals: Larger facilities can connect children to relevant pediatric specialists.
Newborn monitoring: Specialist newborn services can support babies who need closer medical observation.
Emergency preparedness: Hospitals with appropriate emergency units can assess and manage urgent medical conditions.
Continuity of care: Follow-up appointments help monitor recovery, growth and long-term conditions.
Family education: Healthcare teams can guide parents on nutrition, medicine use, prevention and home care.
Finding Pediatric Hospitals and Clinics in Nairobi
Nairobi has a broad range of pediatric healthcare providers, from dedicated children’s hospitals to outpatient clinics and pediatric departments within larger hospitals. Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, M.P. Shah Hospital and The Karen Hospital provide a range of hospital-based child health services. The Honeybee Children’s Clinic, Kilimani Children’s Clinic and VivaLife offer additional outpatient options for families.
The right facility depends on the child’s medical needs, the type of specialist care required, location, appointment availability and insurance arrangements. Parents should confirm current services, clinic schedules and contact details directly with each provider before visiting.
Directory notice: This article is an informational directory, not a clinical endorsement or ranking. Facility services, contact numbers, branch arrangements and clinician schedules may change. Verify current details with the provider and consult a qualified medical professional for individual healthcare decisions.
