Kenya Airways (KQ), the national carrier, has entered into a strategic partnership with Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) to enhance medical tourism across Africa. The collaboration aims to position Kenya as a leading healthcare destination on the continent, offering patients from across Africa access to world-class medical services without the need to travel overseas. This initiative aligns with Kenya’s vision of becoming a regional hub for high-quality healthcare and specialized treatment.
The agreement, signed through Kenya Airways’ healthcare division KQ Health, combines the airline’s extensive regional network with AKUH’s advanced medical expertise to create a seamless travel and treatment experience for patients. KQ Health will coordinate logistical arrangements such as medical clearances before travel, in-flight medical assistance, and direct ambulance transfers from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Aga Khan University Hospital. AKUH will provide specialized services in oncology, cardiology, surgery, and critical care, ensuring patients receive the highest level of treatment upon arrival.
Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka highlighted that the partnership reflects how aviation can bridge critical access gaps in healthcare. He emphasized that the airline’s role goes beyond connecting people to destinations — it connects them to life-changing services. This collaboration demonstrates how innovation in aviation can be leveraged to support public health, improve patient mobility, and enhance Africa’s capacity for medical care delivery.
Aga Khan University Hospital CEO Rashid Khalani described the partnership as a transformative step for Kenya’s healthcare landscape and for Africa’s broader medical tourism sector. He noted that for years, patients have sought specialized treatment overseas, but with this partnership, world-class healthcare can now be accessed within the continent. Khalani added that the initiative not only benefits the two institutions but also promotes Kenya as a trusted healthcare destination, encouraging confidence among regional and international patients.
Although Kenya’s medical tourism sector currently attracts fewer than 8,000 foreign patients annually, studies by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the Ministry of Health estimate the number at between 3,000 and 5,000 per year — highlighting untapped potential. Through this collaboration, both KQ and AKUH are taking a major step toward unlocking that potential by improving accessibility, affordability, and the overall patient experience. The initiative sets the stage for Kenya to emerge as a hub for advanced medical care in Africa, combining aviation and healthcare to redefine how patients seek and receive treatment.
