X-Ray Cost in Kenya
What you actually pay at public and private facilities — and how SHA coverage works after the NHIF transition. Last reviewed April 2026.
Quick Overview
Kenya transitioned its public health insurance in October 2024 from the old NHIF (graduated fixed bands) to the new Social Health Authority (SHA), which administers the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). Salaried workers now pay a flat 2.75% of gross salary with no income cap. SHA covers diagnostic imaging, including X-rays, at accredited facilities. For self-pay, private chest and limb X-rays in Nairobi typically cost 1,000–2,000 KES (~$8–16), while multi-view spine studies can reach 5,000 KES.
🏥 Public / KNH
- Kenyatta National Hospital and county referral hospitals
- Lowest out-of-pocket rates in the country
- Covered for SHA members at accredited sites
- Wait times can be hours to days
🏥 Private Clinics
- Chest / limb: 1,000–2,000 KES
- Spine multi-view: 2,500–5,000 KES
- Premium hospitals (Aga Khan, MP Shah): higher end
- Same-day walk-in appointments common
🩺 SHIF contribution
- Flat percentage of gross salary — no cap
- Minimum contribution 300 KES/month
- Self-employed: means-tested household assessment
- Required for SHA benefits access
Private Clinic X-Ray Prices
The table below reflects typical self-pay prices at private diagnostic radiology centers and hospitals in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret as of April 2026. Premium hospitals (Aga Khan University Hospital, MP Shah, Nairobi Hospital, Karen Hospital) sit at the top of each range.
| X-Ray Type | Price (KES) | USD (≈) | SHA Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chest AP or PA | 1,000–2,000 | $8–16 | Covered at accredited sites |
| Chest PA + lateral | 1,800–3,500 | $14–28 | Covered at accredited sites |
| Cervical spine (AP + lateral) | 1,500–3,000 | $12–24 | Covered at accredited sites |
| Cervical 5-view (flexion/extension) | 2,500–5,000 | $20–40 | Covered at accredited sites |
| Thoracic spine (AP + lateral) | 2,500–5,000 | $20–40 | Covered at accredited sites |
| Lumbar spine (AP + lateral) | 2,500–5,000 | $20–40 | Covered at accredited sites |
| Hand | 1,000–1,500 | $8–12 | Covered at accredited sites |
| Knee | 1,200–2,800 | $10–22 | Covered at accredited sites |
| Ankle / foot | 1,000–2,000 | $8–16 | Covered at accredited sites |
| Abdomen (supine) | 1,000–2,000 | $8–16 | Covered at accredited sites |
| Abdomen (supine + erect) | 1,500–2,500 | $12–20 | Covered at accredited sites |
| Dental — periapical | 1,000–2,000 | $8–16 | Limited |
| Dental — panoramic (OPG) | 2,000–4,000 | $16–32 | Limited |
USD conversions at approximately 130 KES = $1. Prices vary materially by city: Nairobi central premium hospitals sit at the top of each range; satellite towns (Kitengela, Thika, Ongata Rongai) can be 15–30% cheaper.
How SHA / SHIF Coverage Works
What changed in 2024
- NHIF wound down; SHA took over as public insurer from October 2024
- Three funds now: Primary Healthcare Fund, SHIF, and Emergency/Chronic Illness Fund
- All former NHIF members were migrated to SHA
- Contribution moved from fixed-amount bands to a flat % of salary
- Means-tested contribution system for non-salaried Kenyans
What it costs
- Salaried employees: 2.75% of gross salary, no cap
- Minimum contribution: 300 KES/month
- Non-salaried / self-employed: means-tested household assessment
- Registration required to access any SHA benefits
How to get an X-ray
- Register with SHA via sha.go.ke portal and pay contributions
- Visit an SHA-accredited facility for diagnosis and referral
- X-rays covered under outpatient or primary care benefits
- Emergency imaging covered via the Emergency & Chronic Illness Fund
- Self-pay at any private center without SHA registration
Where to Get an X-Ray
🏥 Major Nairobi Hospitals
- Kenyatta National Hospital — public referral hospital
- Aga Khan University Hospital — private, premium
- Nairobi Hospital — private
- MP Shah Hospital — private
- Karen Hospital — private
- Nairobi West Hospital — private, mid-range
🏥 Regional & County Referral
- Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital — Eldoret
- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital — Kisumu
- Coast Provincial General Hospital — Mombasa
- Nakuru Level 5 Hospital
- Network of county referral hospitals nationwide
💡 Practical tips
- Confirm SHA accreditation before relying on SHA cover
- Private diagnostic chains (e.g., Pathcare, MediHeal) publish price lists
- Satellite-town clinics are often materially cheaper than central Nairobi
- Images typically delivered digitally or on CD
Guide by Patient Type
🇰🇪 Kenyan residents
- Register on sha.go.ke and keep contributions current
- Use accredited public hospitals for lowest cost
- Private premium is 2–5× the lower end — pay for convenience and speed
- Check facility accreditation before assuming SHA cover
💼 Medical tourists
- Kenya is a regional medical hub for East Africa
- Self-pay rates are low by Western standards
- Aga Khan and Nairobi Hospital are JCI-accredited
- Travel health insurance strongly recommended
✈️ Short-term visitors
- Emergency care provided at any facility
- Self-pay at private clinics is the simplest path
- Check whether your travel insurance has direct-billing arrangements
- Keep receipts and reports for home-country claims
Practical Details
📋 What to bring
- National ID or passport
- SHA registration number, if applicable
- Doctor's referral or request
- Prior imaging, if available
- Cash / M-Pesa / card for private
⏰ Typical wait times
- Emergency: immediate
- Public non-urgent: hours to a few days
- Private walk-in: usually same day
- Results: same day for images; 1–2 days for report
💡 How to save money
- Compare public vs private — public can be 50%+ cheaper
- Use SHA benefits at accredited sites instead of self-pay
- Consider satellite-town clinics for routine imaging
- Ask if a single view is enough before paying for multiple
FAQ
What replaced NHIF in Kenya?
The Social Health Authority (SHA) replaced NHIF in October 2024. SHA administers three funds: the Primary Healthcare Fund, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), and the Emergency and Chronic Illness Fund. All former NHIF members were migrated to SHA.
How much does SHA / SHIF cost?
Salaried employees pay 2.75% of gross salary with no income cap. The minimum monthly contribution is 300 KES. Non-salaried Kenyans pay a means-tested contribution based on declared household income.
Are X-rays free under SHA?
X-rays are covered for registered SHA members at accredited facilities, typically under outpatient or primary care benefits. Coverage specifics vary by facility level and fund — always confirm with the facility and your SHA account before the visit.
How much is an X-ray at Aga Khan Hospital Nairobi?
Aga Khan University Hospital does not publish a detailed X-ray price list online. As a premium private facility, it sits at the upper end of the 1,000–5,000 KES national range. Call +254 20 366 2601 (Radiology) for a current quote.
Can tourists get an X-ray in Kenya?
Yes. Non-SHA patients can self-pay at any private clinic or hospital. Prices are very low by Western standards (typically $8–40 for most X-ray types). Bring photo ID and expect to pay upfront.
How do X-ray prices in Kenya compare internationally?
Kenyan private prices are among the lowest of any country in our database. A chest X-ray at $8–16 compares with $30–50 in Eastern Europe, $100–200 in Western Europe, and $300–500 in the US without insurance.
Compare X-Ray Costs Across Countries
Sources
- Kenyan private-radiology cost ranges compiled from published price references (Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret)
- Ministry of Health, Kenya — SHA and SHIF benefit tariffs
- Social Health Authority (sha.go.ke) — registration and contribution rules
- Kenyatta National Hospital — public service-delivery charges
- SmartHR Kenya — 2026 SHIF contribution guide
Last reviewed: April 2026. Prices and SHA rules have evolved rapidly since the NHIF transition — always confirm with the provider and SHA before booking.