Healthcare access in Central Kenya has received a major boost following the installation of a state-of-the-art Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine at MIC Imaging Centre in Thika, a development expected to significantly improve early detection and treatment of cancer and other complex conditions.
The newly commissioned 72-channel 3T MRI scanner is one of the most advanced imaging technologies available in the region. Its arrival is expected to ease the burden on patients who previously had to travel long distances or endure long queues in Nairobi due to a shortage of diagnostic equipment.
According to Dr. Daniel Somba, the Chief Radiologist at the facility, the machine’s powerful magnetic field offers sharper, highly detailed scans that can reveal abnormalities often missed by older systems.
“This scanner can serve up to 80 patients per day compared to the older machines that only handled about 20. It supports a wide range of examinations including brain, spine, liver, prostate, breast, abdomen and pelvic imaging. It will be especially useful in detecting subtle neurological and oncological conditions early,” Dr. Somba said.
Access to MRI services remains a challenge in Kenya, with fewer than 50 scanners nationwide, most of them located in large private hospitals in Nairobi. Dr. Somba noted that this has placed rural and peri-urban communities at a disadvantage, delaying diagnosis for thousands of patients who rely on public and mission hospitals.
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For people like Fredrick Muindi, whose relative needed an urgent brain scan, the introduction of the new machine is a timely relief.
“We were initially referred to Nairobi, but the long waiting times made it difficult. Getting this service here in Thika has saved us both time and money,” Muindi said.
This new technology marks a key milestone in decentralising specialised medical services and aligns with national efforts to promote early diagnosis, which is critical to improving survival rates for patients affected by cancer and other serious ailments.
The acquisition of the equipment was made possible through a credit facility from ABC Bank, whose General Manager Dr. Joseph Mbaia urged the government to strengthen financial support for families battling chronic diseases.
“The cost of managing cancer and other long-term illnesses remains high for many Kenyan households. We urge the Social Health Authority to prioritize coverage of these conditions to reduce the burden on patients,” Dr. Mbaia said.
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