The Nairobi Hospital Raises KES 11.1 Million at Charity Golf Tournament to Support Children with Heart Disease

The Nairobi Hospital Raises KES 11.1 Million at Charity Golf Tournament to Support Children with Heart Disease

By Stella Ranji 

Nairobi, August 1, 2025 

In a powerful demonstration of community spirit and medical philanthropy, The Nairobi Hospital hosted its annual Children’s Charity Heart Fund Golf Tournament at the Karen Country Club, raising KES 11.1 million to support life-saving care for children with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Held under the theme “Giving Little Hearts Big Dreams,” the event brought together corporate sponsors, golf professionals, individual donors, and medical champions united by a shared mission—to ensure that children born with heart defects have a fighting chance at life.

Since its inception, the Children’s Charity Heart Fund has enabled more than 400 children between the ages of 0 and 12 to receive free, life-saving heart surgeries. Most of these young patients, who previously had little hope, are now thriving thanks to the generosity of donors and the dedication of medical teams.

Speaking after the tournament, Nairobi Hospital CEO Felix Osano underscored the importance of sustainable partnerships in addressing the country’s healthcare challenges.

“The growth of this charity event over the years has opened up multiple opportunities to reach underserved communities and drive Kenya’s sustainable healthcare agenda,” said Osano. “We are proud to work with our partners to expand access to cardiac care and give renewed hope to children suffering from heart diseases. I urge more corporates to join us in this noble cause of building a healthier, more resilient society.”

The need is urgent. According to the World Health Organization, over 5,000 children in Kenya are born each year with congenital heart defects requiring surgery. Yet, fewer than 150 open-heart surgeries are conducted locally each year, and an additional 50 to 100 children are flown abroad for treatment. The stark gap in pediatric cardiac care is further worsened by a critical shortage of specialists—with fewer than 15 pediatric cardiologists nationwide and just two hospitals equipped to perform pediatric open-heart surgeries.
Dr. Barcley Onyambu, Chairperson of the Nairobi Hospital Board, emphasized the broader mission behind the initiative:

“Equitable access to quality medical care is not a luxury—it is a necessity, especially for children with serious conditions such as CHD. Our goal is to build a healthcare system that leaves no child behind, regardless of their background or ability to pay.”

A single pediatric heart surgery can cost up to KES 2.5 million, placing it out of reach for most Kenyan families. Events like this tournament are therefore critical lifelines, directly funding diagnostic services, surgical procedures, and follow-up care.

This year’s tournament marks a new chapter in the hospital’s legacy of medical leadership, community empowerment, and cross-border collaboration. Proceeds from the event will go directly to the Heart Fund, which continues to be a beacon of hope for children and families across Kenya.

As The Nairobi Hospital invests in workforce development, digital transformation, and international medical partnerships, it continues to position itself at the forefront of Africa’s healthcare evolution—one little heart at a time.

Popular posts from this blog

Global Leaders Convene in Nairobi to Forge Path for Climate-Resilient Africa

Cricket Kenya Launches CK T20 League to Honour Past Glory and Usher in New Era

KISM Reaffirms Commitment to Digitizing Public Procurement through EGP System Rollout