MIC Imaging Centre in Thika Unveils Modern MRI Machine -

MIC Imaging Centre in Thika Unveils Modern MRI Machine

In a significant step towards enhancing cancer diagnosis and treatment, a state-of-the-art Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine has been installed at a hospital in Thika. The initiative responds to the growing need for advanced medical technology to enable faster and more accurate detection of various types of cancer.

The 72-channel 3T MRI scanner at MIC Imaging Centre in Thika is a first-of-its-kind machine in the region and is expected to bring much-needed relief to patients in Central Kenya, who have long struggled with limited access to advanced diagnostic services due to equipment shortages.

According to Dr. Daniel Somba, the Chief Radiologist at the facility, the new scanner features stronger magnetic fields that provide higher-resolution images, allowing doctors to diagnose smaller joints and detect subtle abnormalities, particularly in complex neurological cases.

“The scanner has the capacity to serve up to 80 patients daily a significant improvement from older machines that could only handle around 20. It can perform a wide range of scans including brain, spine, prostate, liver, breast, abdomen, and pelvic imaging, among others,” said Dr. Somba.

Currently, access to MRI services in Kenya remains extremely limited, with only about 50 scanners across the country — most of them concentrated in Nairobi. Dr. Somba noted that this scarcity has left rural communities, where nearly 70 percent of Kenyans live, struggling to access timely diagnosis and treatment.

In an interview on Monday evening at the facility,Dr. Somba, who also serves as the Managing Director of the facility, emphasized that the new technology is aiding in the early detection of diseases, enabling evidence-based treatment and saving more lives and resources.

“Advancements in medical imaging have transformed how we diagnose and treat patients. They help doctors detect diseases early and plan effective treatment in good time,” he added.

Fredrick Muindi, who brought a patient from Ruiru on Monday for a brain scan using the new MRI machine, said the availability of such equipment in Thika will save many patients both time and the high cost of traveling to Nairobi for crucial diagnostic services.

“My relative had been referred to Nairobi for a brain scan, but long queues at most facilities made it difficult to access care. Thanks to this new machine, we didn’t have to wait any longer,” he said.

Muindi further urged the government to include MRI scans in the national health insurance scheme to make the services more affordable and accessible to all Kenyans. Mary Nduku (not her real name) slowly stepped out of the MRI scanner room amidst our interview, her face a mixture of relief and quiet hope. She recalled how a persistent itch on one of her breasts had led her to seek medical help at a hospital in Matuu. What began as a minor concern soon turned into anxiety when doctors advised her to undergo an MRI scan to determine the extent of a lump they had discovered.

“At first, I was really scared when the doctor mentioned a lump,” she said softly. “I didn’t know what to expect or where I could get such a scan done. When I heard there was a new machine here in Thika, I felt some relief, I will now take the results back to my doctor so that he can guide me on the next steps and the right medication. I’m hopeful that everything will be okay.”

Dr. Joseph Mbaia, the General Manager of a local bank that provided the credit facility for the purchase of the machine, noted that access to such modern diagnostic technology has been a major challenge for Kenyans, particularly in rural areas.

Mbai added that Private facilities are playing an integral role in enhancing the quality of healthcare services through the installation of modern and state-of-the-art equipment that are steadily transforming the country’s health sector.

“These machines are very costly that’s why most public hospitals lack them, and those available often don’t meet the latest standards. For instance, installing the MRI scanner at MIC Imaging Centre cost not less than Sh200 million,” he added.

Dr. Mbaia further appealed to the government to ensure that the Social Health Authority (SHA) adequately covers chronic illnesses to relieve Kenyans of the burden of high medical bills.

“If the chronic illness fund under SHA is well financed, no patient will have to forgo treatment due to cost. My appeal to the government is to make sure the fund is active so that all patients whether rich or poor can access life-saving services,” he said.

Currently, patients pay between Sh18,000 and Sh32,000 for MRI scans costs that remain out of reach for many families, particularly those at the bottom of the economic pyramid.

ENDS