Basic Profile & History

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital is a not-for-profit paediatric hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. It was founded in 1947, following a land donation by Col. Ewart Grogan in memory of his wife, Gertrude Edith. Over the decades, it has grown into one of the leading paediatric referral centers in Eastern and Central Africa.

Mission, Structure & Operating Model

The hospital operates as a charitable trust, reinvesting any surpluses into medical equipment, facility enhancements, expansions, and community health programs. It is committed to world-class paediatric care while maintaining affordability and access, especially for underserved children. Governance is by a Board of Trustees, with decisions guided by medical and social priorities rather than profit.

Capacity & Reach

Main hospital in Muthaiga, Nairobi with a 100-bed capacity.

Over 9,000 inpatients admitted annually.

Handles more than 300,000 outpatient visits per year.

Operates 15 satellite clinics and outpatient centers around Nairobi and other parts of Kenya.

Services & Specialties

The hospital offers a wide array of paediatric specialties, including:

General Paediatrics and Surgery

Cardiology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery

Nephrology, Gastroenterology, and Respiratory Medicine

ENT, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, and Orthopaedics

Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery

Neonatology and Newborn Care

Infectious Diseases and Developmental Paediatrics

Nutrition, Immunization, and Preventive Clinics

Emergency and Critical Care

Diagnostic services: Radiology, Laboratory, Imaging

Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy

Care is provided to children and young adults up to about age 21.

Accreditation & Quality

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital is Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited, one of the few paediatric facilities in sub-Saharan Africa to hold this recognition.

Key Initiatives & Recent Developments

Telemedicine: In partnership with the M-PESA Foundation, the hospital launched the “Daktari Smart” initiative to provide virtual paediatric care to underserved counties.

Oncology Programs: Collaborations with international cancer centers to strengthen paediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant services.

Community Outreach: Regular awareness events such as cancer walks and vaccination drives.

Infrastructure Growth: Upgrades to radiology, ICU, surgical wings, and outpatient facilities.

Strengths, Challenges & Impact

Strengths:

Longstanding expertise in paediatric care.

Extensive network of clinics for accessibility.

Nonprofit model ensures reinvestment in care.

International accreditation adds credibility.

Comprehensive care under one roof.

Challenges:

High costs of specialized care despite nonprofit status.

Rural access gaps requiring stronger outreach.

Recruitment and retention of specialized staff.

Sustaining equipment and infrastructure.

Impact:

Serves as a referral center for Kenya and neighboring countries.

Provides specialist training and mentorship for paediatric professionals.

Extends care through telemedicine and community initiatives.

Plays a significant role in child healthcare outcomes in the region.