Kenya Radiology Service Market Analysis

Kenya Radiology Service Market Executive Summary

The Kenya Radiology Service market is at around $2.8 Mn in 2023 and is projected to reach $7.8 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 15.8% during the forecast period.

There are many techniques used in radiology. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan is a powerful imaging technique that uses magnets instead of radiation to create images of the body. It is excellent for visualizing soft tissues like the brain, muscles, and organs. Areas investigated through MRI scanning include spinal cord and brain abnormalities, cysts and tumors, joint injuries, breast tissue anomalies, and abdominal and liver irregularities. Radiography is a type of radiological imaging technique which applies X-ray radiation. X-ray mammograph is also a type of radiological imaging technique which is used specifically to identify abnormalities or lesions in the human breast. MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiogram) scan is an examination that produces detailed versions of the blood vessels in the body. Compared to X-rays, CT (Computed Tomography) uses a low dose of radiation and also provides a better overview of the interior of the body. An ultrasound or sonography is a technique that uses high frequency ways to produce images. As it does not involve the use of radiation it is the most widely used technique for monitoring pregnancy. A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan is an advanced technique used to reveal the metabolic or biochemical functions of tissues and organs. Lastly, a Single-Photo Emission Computerized Tomography (SPECT) uses a radioactive substance and a special camera to create 3-D images.

Kenya faces a significant healthcare burden due to the rising chronic health conditions which impact the healthcare system greatly. The Kenya Radiology Service Market is thus driven by significant factors such as the increasing burden of chronic diseases, aging population, and growing awareness. However, high cost, limited access, and shortage of radiologists restrict the growth and potential of the market.

The major players of the Kenya Radiology Service Market are Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi Hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, and M.P. Shah Hospital, among others.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Increasing Burden of Chronic Diseases: The most common chronic diseases in Kenya are asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The age-standardised mortality rate across four major NCDs (Cardiovascular Disease, Chronic Respiratory Disease, Cancer and Diabetes) was over 600 per 100,000 population for the male population and over 500 per 100,000 for the female population in 2023. The increasing prevalence of these chronic diseases in turn leads to a growing demand for diagnostic imaging procedures. With so many tools and techniques for detecting and treating diseases, radiology plays a significant role in disease management which leads to the market growth.

Aging Population: In Kenya, an estimated 402 Mn people (28% of the total population) will be aged 60 and above by 2040. The geriatric population is more susceptible to chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal disorders. Thus, the older adults are more likely to require the medical diagnostic services due to an increased risk of chronic diseases. This geriatric population accounts for a majority for whom the radiology services are delivered and thus acts as a significant driver of the radiology service market.

Growing Awareness: Due to improvements in medical technology and more healthcare spending, there has been a recent surge in the knowledge of radiology services available in Kenya. The government's initiatives and programs aimed at spreading awareness for early disease detection and diagnosis together with public health campaigns and educational programs have contributed to the expansion of the Radiology Services Market.

Market Restraints

High Cost: The high cost of radiology is a major challenge for the radiology service market due to the expensive nature of essential equipment like MRI, CT, and PET scanners, which are each priced in the millions. Also, these machines require substantial ongoing financial investment for regular maintenance, software updates, and the employment of specialized technical personnel. These factors collectively contribute to making radiology services some of the most expensive in the healthcare sector, thereby impacting the market’s growth potential.

Limited Access: Certain low-income and rural populations may have limited access to radiological services due to insufficient healthcare infrastructure. Furthermore, it is challenging to integrate state-of-the-art technology with medical imaging systems in underdeveloped countries. As a result, the country would unavoidably experience financial hardship, which can negatively affect the demand for radiological services.

Shortage of Radiologists: In Kenya, there is an estimated 1 radiologist per 1 Mn people, however, the ratios fall far short of the recommended 10-12 radiologists per 100,000 people. These ratios of Kenya highlight the healthcare industry difficulty due to a lack of these competent professionals in healthcare. Thus, the growth of the radiology services market is hindered by a lack of suitable trained radiologists.

Regulatory Landscape and Reimbursement Scenario

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) is Kenya’s pharmaceutical regulatory body, operating under the Ministry of Health. The PPB is in charge of managing the production, distribution, and general control of medications and toxic substances in the nation.
Before new drugs can be sold in Kenya, the PPB examines applications and authorizes their commercialization. Additionally, it grants licenses to producers, distributors, and wholesalers of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. PPB is also responsible for examining and approving clinical trial applications to guarantee participant safety and ethical research procedures. Last but not least, the PPB actively manages the pharmacovigilance department once the drugs are in the market. The rigorous review process by the PPB helps ensure that only safe and effective medications reach the market and provides a framework for introducing new and innovative medicines while maintaining safety standards.

Kenya’s health insurance system offers a combination of public and private options. Kenya’s main public health insurance program is called the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). It offers all members and their stated dependents necessary healthcare coverage. Numerous inpatient and outpatient services are covered by the NHIF, such as hospital stays for diseases that require medical attention, consultations with certain experts and general practitioners, maternity care, certain drugs (with some restrictions), and diagnostic testing. In Kenya, a large number of private health insurance companies provide varying degrees of coverage. Private health insurance offers more advantages compared to NHIF, such as wider options for clinics and hospitals, including private ones, greater hospital cost coverage limits, coverage for a wider variety of expert consultations and operations, and also coverage for specific dental and vision care services.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

Here are some of the major key players in the Kenya Radiology Service Market:

• Aga Khan University Hospital
• Nairobi Hospital
• Kenyatta National Hospital
• Mater Misericordiae Hospital
• M.P. Shah Hospital
• Avenue Hospital
• Karen Hospital
• Gertrude’s Children's Hospital
• PCEA Kikuyu Hospital
• Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital