Registered Neurosurgeons in Kenya (Updated List) – Complete Guide and Directory

What is neurosurgery in Kenya and why is it important?

Neurosurgery is a highly specialized branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the brain, spine, and nervous system. In Kenya, neurosurgeons play a critical role in managing life-threatening conditions such as head injuries, brain tumours, stroke complications, spinal cord injuries, and hydrocephalus.

Kenya has approximately 55 registered neurosurgeons serving a population of over 55 million people. This shortage highlights a major gap in access to specialized neurological care, especially in rural and underserved regions.

Why is the number of neurosurgeons in Kenya so low?

Kenya has a limited number of neurosurgeons due to the long and demanding training process. Most specialists complete a Master of Medicine in Neurosurgery at the University of Nairobi, which takes about four years after medical school.

Others train through COSECSA fellowships or pursue advanced training in countries such as the United Kingdom, South Africa, China, and various European nations.

What does this shortage mean for patients?

It means patients often travel long distances, especially from rural areas, to access neurosurgical care. Most specialists are concentrated in Nairobi, with fewer in cities like Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, and Meru.

What conditions do neurosurgeons in Kenya treat most often?

Neurosurgeons in Kenya commonly handle cases such as:

• Road traffic accident head injuries
• Brain tumours
• Spinal cord injuries
• Hydrocephalus in children
• Stroke-related complications

Road traffic accidents remain one of the leading causes of neurosurgical emergencies in the country.

Registered Neurosurgeons in Kenya (Full List)

Below is the official list of registered neurosurgeons practicing in Kenya, based on data from the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC):

1. Dr Aamir Wasiq Qureshi
2. Dr Abdifatah Mohamed Khalif
3. Dr Abdul Wahid Kasmani
4. Dr Ahmed Nasir Abdirahman Omar
5. Dr Alex Henry Njiru
6. Dr Ali Abdi Maalim
7. Dr Andrew Nyaoncha Nyangau
8. Dr Antony Kilonzo Kivuva
9. Dr Barnabas Kipngetich Boen
10. Dr Benjamin Omondi Okanga
11. Dr Beverly Jebet Cheserem
12. Dr Charles Mwangi Kingori
13. Dr Christopher Kyalo Musau
14. Dr Daniel Kanyata Nduati
15. Dr Daniel Mugendi Njeru
16. Dr David Livingstone Oluoch Olunya
17. Dr Dismas Vincent Wekesa
18. Dr Donald Ouma Nyomba Okatch
19. Dr Edwin Kimaiga Mogere
20. Dr Florentius Kamar Kipchirchir Koech
21. Dr Gilbert Kiprop Ngetich
22. Dr Godfrey Barasa Wasike
23. Dr Grace Muthoni Thiong'o
24. Dr Hudson Nganga Kamau
25. Dr John Kirimo Boore
26. Dr John Nganga Kibe
27. Dr Johnstone Mativo Muthoka
28. Dr Julius Githinji Kiboi
29. Dr Kasyoka Mutiso Benjamin
30. Dr Kennedy Kimani Chege
31. Dr Lee Owuoth Ogutha
32. Dr Marjorie Lunyagi Adagi
33. Dr Michael Augustus Achianja Magoha
34. Dr Mubashir Mahmood Qureshi
35. Dr Nilesh Kumar Mohan
36. Dr Nimrod Juniahs Mwangombe
37. Dr Patrick Akuku Okoth
38. Dr Peter Gichuru Mwangi
39. Dr Peter Kamau Wanyoike
40. Dr Peter Kimathi Njeru
41. Dr Peter Kithikii Kitunguu
42. Dr Philip Maseghe Mwachaka
43. Dr Samuel Gichuhi Njiru
44. Dr Simon Kanja Kaguri
45. Dr Solomon Wahome Muriithi
46. Dr Susan Wanjiru Karanja
47. Dr Sydney Kirui Kipkorir Rono
48. Dr Sylvia Vigehi Shitsama
49. Dr Tom Mboya Ajowi
50. Dr Travor Kagasi
51. Dr Trizah Tracey John
52. Dr Victor Mordecai Awuor
53. Dr Wilfred Mwangale Munialo
54. Dr William Ochieng Owiti
55. Dr Wycliffe Soita Chitiavi

Where are most neurosurgeons in Kenya located?

Most neurosurgeons are based in major urban hospitals, especially in Nairobi. Smaller numbers are distributed in:

• Mombasa
• Kisumu
• Eldoret
• Nakuru
• Meru

Why is location a challenge for patients?

Because specialist care is centralized in cities, patients from rural areas often experience delays in treatment due to long travel distances and referral system limitations.

Why does Kenya need more neurosurgeons?

Kenya’s population-to-specialist ratio remains far below global recommendations. With only about 55 neurosurgeons for over 55 million people, access to timely brain and spinal care is limited.

What is the impact of this gap?

This shortage leads to:

• Delayed emergency treatment
• Higher mortality rates from head injuries
• Limited access in rural regions
• Overburdened referral hospitals

What is the future outlook for neurosurgery in Kenya?

Kenya continues to expand training through local medical schools and regional partnerships such as COSECSA. However, increasing the number of neurosurgeons remains a long-term challenge due to training duration and resource limitations.

Improving distribution beyond Nairobi and strengthening rural referral systems will be critical in closing the care gap.

Final thoughts on neurosurgical care in Kenya

Kenya has a growing but still limited neurosurgical workforce. While the country has made progress in training specialists, access to neurosurgical care remains unequal across regions.

Expanding training capacity and improving regional distribution will be key to ensuring timely and equitable brain and spine care for all Kenyans.