By mentioning X-ray, MRI, Ultra Sound, and CT scan in Kenya, everyone looks at you with shock as if you have uttered a new term but the reality is that the Kenyan health sector market is known for its fragile and unfixed prices. One facility can charge a patient a little money while the next health facility charges millions of money to access the same service. As such, patients have become sensitive to the prices charged by various facilities and have resorted to seeking these same services in government hospitals. But the public facilities are also not spared with their delays in results, long queues, and absenteeism of the technicians.

However, it would be imperative if the patients get to know the actual price set by the government.

1. On average, a CT scan costs between Ksh 5, 000 and Ksh12, 000.
2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) costs between Ksh 16, 000 to Ksh 33, 000.
3. Ultrasound costs between Ksh 600 and Ksh 4, 000 while
4. x-rays cost between Ksh1, 200, and Ksh 3, 000 depending on the facility. 

The costs above vary due to the unscrupulous nature of the doctors who earn money by referring patients to these facilities and in return, they are paid huge sums of money and the facility that pays a lot of money to doctors gets more referrals. “If this unethical culture of commissions and kickbacks is not stopped, it will discourage further investments in the medical sector. Much of the profits are being taken by the huge commissions demanded by unscrupulous doctors.”

Some facilities that have turned down demands for illegal commissions are losing out due to sharp reductions in the number of patients referred to them. Their ability to remain in operation is threatened even if they are offering quality services.

Another doctor who runs a private medical lab in the city lamented that some labs have resorted to taking shortcuts and compromising on certain costs to recoup the losses from the illegal commissions being demanded by dodgy doctors.

Many laboratories and diagnostic centers that pay commissions operate at below-par standards, thus relevant bodies should step in to ensure all facilities meet the minimum standards,” she said. “Corruption needs to be tackled openly and head-on like has been done in other countries for the medical industry to survive.”

                   Preparation for Xray Service

In general, no special preparation is needed before an X-ray is taken unless a special dye called a contrast medium is going to be used. Contrast mediums outline a specific body area internally. They can be swallowed, injected into a vein, or inserted rectally, and have a dull, opaque appearance on film.

If a contrast medium is used, patients may be asked not to eat or drink after midnight before the test, and the physician may make minor changes in how the patient takes medication. The physician will ask about the patient’s history of allergies to screen for a potential allergic reaction to the dye.

               X-ray Services - Female patients

They Should be sure to inform the examiner if they are or may be pregnant because X-rays can be harmful to fetuses in rare cases. In cases where the benefits of the x-ray outweigh the potential risks, pregnant women may wear a lead apron over their abdomen during the test.

A lead apron is also often worn by patients to help protect sex organs from X-rays. In high doses, women’s eggs and men’s sperm can be affected by radiation. However, the risk of this occurring as a result of an x-ray test is extremely low. Women should also inform the examiner if they have an IUD (a form of birth control) implanted.

Cost of CT Scan in various Kenyan counties 

Types of CT Scans and Cost of CT Scan test in Kenya Hospitals

1. Head CT (Brain):
   • Purpose: Evaluating brain injuries, tumors, or neurological conditions.
   • Cost Range: KES 6,000-9,000
2. Chest CT:
   • Purpose: Used for examining the lungs, heart, and surrounding structures.
   • Cost Range: KES 5,000-9,000
3. Abdominal CT:
   • Purpose: Used for assessing the abdominal organs like the liver, kidneys, and intestines.
   • Abdominal CT scan cost Range: KES 7,000-14,000
4. Pelvic CT:
   • Purpose: Evaluating pelvic organs, including reproductive organs.
   • Pelvic CT scan costs: KES 6,000-14,000
5. Spinal CT:
   • Purpose: Examining the spine for fractures, tumors, or disc issues.
   • Spinal CT scan cost: KES 10,500
6. Sinus CT:
   • Purpose: Diagnose sinus infections, blockages, or structural issues.
   • Sinus CT scan test cost ranges from KES 4,000-9,500
7. Temporal Bone CT:
   • Purpose: Assessing the ear and surrounding structures for issues like hearing loss.
   • Temporal bone CT scan cost: KES 7,000-10,500
8. Neck CT scan:
   • Purpose: Examining structures like lymph nodes, thyroid, and blood vessels.
   • Neck CT scan cost ranges from Cost Range: KES 5,000-9,000
9. Angiography CT:
   • Purpose: For visualizing blood vessels for conditions like aneurysms.
   • Angiography pulmonary CT scan cost range: KES 9,000-15,000
10. Cardiac CT:
    • Purpose: For evaluating heart structure and blood flow.
    • Cardiac CT scan test costs: Cost Range: KES 7,000-11,000
11. Chest CT scan (High-Resolution):
    • Purpose: For detailed imaging of lung tissue for conditions like fibrosis.
    • Chest CT scan test (High resolution) costs: KES 10,500
12. Abdominal Angiography CT:
    • Purpose: For visualizing blood vessels in the abdomen.
    • Abdominal Angiography CT scan cost: KES 7,000-14,000
13. Virtual Colonoscopy:
    • Purpose: Screening for colon polyps and cancers.
    • Virtual colonoscopy cost ranges: KES 9,000-16,000
14. Musculoskeletal CT:
    • Purpose: For assessing bones and joints for fractures or arthritis.
    • Cost of Musculoskeletal CT scan: KES 5,000-80000
15. Dental CT (Cone Beam):
    • Purpose: For detailed imaging for dental and maxillofacial conditions.
    • Dental CT scan test costs: KES 6,000-8,000
16. Urography CT:
    • Purpose: For visualizing urinary tract structures.
    • Urography CT scan test cost: KES 7,000-14,000
17. Adrenal Gland CT:
    • Purpose: For assessing the adrenal glands for tumors or abnormalities.
    • Adrenal Gland CT scan test cost: KES Cost Range: KES 7,000-20,000
18. Whole-Body CT:
    • Purpose: For comprehensive imaging of various body structures.
    • Whole Body CT scan test- cost: KES 15,000-KES 30,0000
19. Joint CT (e.g., Knee CT):
    • Purpose: For evaluating joints for injuries or degenerative conditions.
    • Joint/Knee CT scan test cost: KES 6,000-9,000
20. Temporal Artery CT:
    • Purpose: blood vessels in the temples for conditions like vasculitis.
    • Temporal Artery CT scan test: Cost Range: KES 7,000-10,000
21. Paranasal Sinus CT:
    • Purpose: For focusing on sinus structures for detailed imaging.
    • Paranasal Sinus CT scan cost: KES 5,000-8,000
22. Myelography CT:
    • Purpose: Visualizing the spinal cord and nerve roots.
    • Myelography CT scan test cost: KES 6,000-8,500
23. Cervical Spine CT:
    • Purpose: For detailed imaging of the cervical spine.
    • Cervical Spine CT scan cost: KES 7,500-9,000
24. Thoracic Spine CT:
    • Purpose: For detailed imaging of the thoracic spine.
    • Thoracic spine CT scan cost: KES 5,500-9,000
25. Lumbar Spine CT:
    • Purpose: For detailed imaging of the lumbar spine.
    • Lumbar Spine CT test cost: KES 7,000-9,000
26. Brachial Plexus CT:
    • Purpose: To visualize the network of nerves in the shoulder.
    • Brachial Plexus CT scan cost: KES 7,000-10,000
27. Facial Bone CT:
    • Purpose: For detailed imaging of facial bones.
    • Facial Bone CT scan test: KES 8,000-10,000
28. Soft Tissue Neck CT:
    • Purpose: Assessing the soft tissues in the neck for abnormalities.
    • Soft tissue Neck CT scan cost: KES 6,000-9,000
29. Upper Extremity CT (e.g., Hand CT):
    • Purpose: Evaluating bones and joints
    • Hand CT scan test costs KES 6,000-9,000
30. Aortic/ Thoracic Angio

• To determine the size of the aorta and to assess other problems with the blood vessels in the chest.
• The cost of an Aortic/Thoracic Angio CT scan is KES 15,000-22,000

Additional information about the Cost of CT Scan Cost in Kenya

The cost of a CT scan test ranges from KES 6,000 to KES 15,000 depending on the body part being scanned and the medical facility. Government hospitals charge less than private medical facilities. For example, a CT Scan of the head (brain) costs KES 6,000 at Kenyatta National Hospital while the same costs KES 9,000 at a private diagnostic facility in Thika. However, you can use NHIF for the CT scan but must be pre-approved by NHIF for private facilities.

Pre-approval means you must fill out a form for the CT scan test and your NHIF details and the medical facility sends it to NHIF. You can proceed to have the test done after NHIF approves the CT scan test request.

The table below gives a summary of CT scan tests for various body parts and their prices (KES) in Nairobi and other cities and towns in the country). The CT scan prices may vary slightly depending on the hospital or health insurance company.

German Hospital offers CT SCAN if you have NHIF coverage but you must have preauthorization (NHIF has to be approved before treatment). 

German Medical Center CT scan cost KES 9,000 for NHIF but paying through cash costs KES 14,000

Kenyatta National Hospital CT scan costs KES 8,000-9,000

AIC Kijabe Mission Hospital CT Scan costs KES 11,000-12,000

Nakuru Provincial General Hospital CT scan cost KES 6,000-7,000

Nakuru War Memorial Hospital charges KES 9,000-10,000 for CT Scan

CT scan at Thika Mutunga Diagnostics costs KES 9,000-10,500 but can be paid through NHIF if not urgent within 48 hours after seeking pre-approval from NHIF.

Nazareth Hospital CT scan costs KES 9,000