A diagnostic revolution: How Nakuru's new AI scanner is saving time, money and lives
Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital. The facility has acquired a state-of-the-art, multi-million-shilling CT scan unit powered by Artificial Intelligence.
What you need to know:
- The Sh130 million machine, the first of its kind in the region, will enhance the speed, precision, and efficiency of medical imaging.
Diagnosis at the South Rift's largest hospital has received a major boost with the acquisition of a state-of-the-art, multi-million-shilling CT scan unit powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Residents of South Rift region and neighbouring counties will now access faster and more accurate diagnostic services at Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital, eliminating the need for referrals to hospitals in Nairobi or abroad.
The Sh130 million machine, the first of its kind in the region, will enhance the speed, precision, and efficiency of medical imaging.
Nakuru County Health Executive Roselyn Mungai stated that the new 128-slice CT scanner doubles the facility's capacity to over 100 scans daily, down from the about 50 conducted by the older machine.
"The technology will be a game-changer for this facility, which serves more than six counties. It marks a major leap in diagnostic technology, allowing specialists to detect diseases with greater precision and speed," Ms Mungai told Nation.
She added: "Powered by AI, the scanner can handle up to 100 patients per day and will primarily benefit trauma and oncology patients, who make up more than two-thirds of our CT workload. It will revolutionise disease diagnosis at the hospital.”
The hospital's medical superintendent, Dr James Waweru, said the scanner will use artificial intelligence to analyse images with precision, assisting healthcare providers in detecting complex conditions like cancers, brain disorders, cardiovascular diseases, internal injuries, and lung conditions at earlier stages.
According to Radiographer-in-Charge Richard Kipkemoi, the new scanner is ultra-fast, completing a head CT scan in just 0.3 seconds, up from 0.5 to 0.6 seconds.
"This 128-slice machine gives us sharper images, faster results, and better patient safety. It uses less radiation, exposing patients to lower doses while giving doctors clearer diagnostic detail,” said Mr Kipkemoi.
Not possible
He explained that the technology now allows the hospital to perform cardiac CT angiograms—detailed scans of the heart’s blood vessels—which was not possible before.
"The procedure requires high-speed imaging to capture the heart at a specific phase. With our old equipment, the image quality wasn't clear enough. So, we had to refer patients outside the county,” he said.
"In private hospitals, a cardiac angiogram can cost up to Sh30,000. With this new machine, it will be done locally and covered by the Social Health Authority for between Sh6,900 and Sh9,000," he added.
Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital serves patients from over six counties, including Baringo, Kericho, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Narok, and Samburu.
"About 40 per cent of our scans are for trauma cases from road accidents, as Nakuru sits on the Northern Corridor highway. Another 30 per cent are for oncology patients.
With this upgrade, the turnaround time will be shorter and image quality superior,” Mr Kipkemoi said.
Experts note that the AI system automates several steps in the imaging process such as setting correct scan parameters, which reduces human error and allows technologists to focus on higher-level tasks.
With the technology, the hospital is set to become a leading regional diagnostic and treatment hub.
A team of biomedical engineers and specialists will train radiologists and technicians on operating and maintaining the new equipment to ensure sustainable and efficient use.
The machine was acquired under a government public-private partnership to upgrade and modernise hospital equipment nationwide.
