Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, the Nairobi County referral facility serving the city's densely populated Eastlands, is set to commission a 160-slice Computed Tomography (CT) scanner, in what management says is a major upgrade to its diagnostic services.

The machine, a Philips Incisive CT system, has been installed and is expected to be officially commissioned "in the coming days," TV47 reported on Thursday. No date for the launch or cost of the equipment has been made public.

Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr Fredrick Obwanda said the installation is part of a wider effort to modernise the hospital's diagnostic infrastructure.

"The commissioning of this 160-slice CT scanner is an important milestone in strengthening our radiology department." – Dr Fredrick Obwanda, CEO, Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital

"Our goal is to make our services more efficient, reliable and responsive to the needs of our patients," he added, according to TV47.

What the scanner does

A CT scanner combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles to build detailed cross-sectional pictures of the body. The number of "slices" refers to how many image sections the machine can capture in one rotation; higher-slice machines cover more of the body faster, which shortens scan times and helps when imaging moving organs such as the heart.

The hospital says the new scanner will be used to examine conditions affecting the brain, chest, abdomen and blood vessels, depending on the examination a patient needs.

According to TV47, the system comes with artificial intelligence tools that automate patient positioning, correct for motion during heart imaging and track needles in real time during image-guided procedures. Controls mounted beside the patient allow radiographers to run much of the scan without leaving the patient's side.

The machine also includes dose-management technology intended to limit radiation exposure while maintaining image quality, although actual doses depend on the protocol and the patient. Its X-ray tube carries a 10-year replacement guarantee from the manufacturer, which Philips markets as "Tube for Life," subject to its terms.

Philips claims its OnPlan workflow can cut time to results by up to 19 per cent and that most surveyed users reported better patient satisfaction and more consistent results. These figures are the manufacturer's own and have not been independently verified.

A hospital under pressure

Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Kayole is one of the busiest public facilities in Nairobi, serving residents of Kayole, Umoja, Komarock and surrounding estates. It has for years faced criticism over congestion, stalled building projects and equipment shortages.

The hospital has had CT services before. In May 2024, The Star reported the unveiling of an Sh80 million CT scanner at the facility, which management said could handle more than 100 tests a day. It is not clear whether the new 160-slice machine replaces that unit or adds to the hospital's capacity.

Access to CT imaging in public hospitals remains limited in many parts of the country, and patients are often referred to private facilities or to Kenyatta National Hospital, where waiting times can be long. An advanced scanner at a county referral hospital could reduce such referrals for Eastlands residents, particularly in emergencies such as head injuries and strokes, where fast imaging is critical.

The hospital has not said how much patients will pay for scans on the new machine or how the service will be billed under the Social Health Authority.

Photos: CT scanner – TV47; Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital – The Eastleigh Voice