Kenya Airways (KQ) and Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) have entered a strategic partnership aimed at transforming medical travel within Africa by improving access to specialized healthcare services for patients across the continent.
The agreement, signed in Nairobi on Friday, brings together KQ’s expansive regional network through its healthcare division, KQ Health, and AKUH’s world-class medical expertise. The collaboration is designed to make Kenya a premier destination for high-quality healthcare, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 goal of positioning itself as a regional medical hub.
Making Kenya a Premier Healthcare Destination
The collaboration seeks to transform Kenya into a preferred destination for high-quality healthcare, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 goal of positioning itself as a regional medical hub.
Under the deal, KQ Health will manage the entire spectrum of patient logistics, including pre-travel medical clearances, in-flight medical assistance, and ambulance transfers directly from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Aga Khan University Hospital.
Also Read: Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways Launch Codeshare Flights to 19 Destinations
Patients arriving in Kenya will have access to specialized treatment in key areas, including oncology, cardiology, surgery, and critical care.
Aviation Meets Healthcare
Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO Allan Kilavuka said the partnership underscores aviation’s role in supporting access to essential services.
“This is an example of how aviation can directly support healthcare access. By working with Aga Khan University Hospital, we’re connecting people not just to destinations, but to essential services that can change lives,” said Kilavuka.
Treatment Closer to Home
Aga Khan University Hospital CEO Rashid Khalani welcomed the initiative, describing it as a milestone in reducing the need for Africans to seek medical treatment abroad.
Also Read: Aga Khan University Gets Global Approval for Its Medical Training Programmes
“This partnership makes it easier for patients from across Africa to access world-class healthcare without leaving the continent,” said Khalani.
“When patients get treatment closer home, it means more convenient travel for them and their families, a familiar environment and culture to recover in, and a sense of pride in the quality of care available at home.”
Rising Demand for Cross-Border Healthcare
The medical travel collaboration comes amid growing demand for cross-border healthcare in Africa, where many patients continue to rely on hospitals in India, the Middle East, and Europe.
The two institutions aim to offer a safer, more affordable, and dignified alternative for those seeking specialized care within Africa.
By combining Kenya Airways’ logistical strength with Aga Khan University Hospital’s medical infrastructure, the partnership is expected to enhance regional healthcare connectivity and reinforce Kenya’s standing as a center for medical excellence.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
