MTRH expands specialized diagnostics with new ISO 15189 quality standards from KENAS

KENYA—Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) has achieved a major milestone after its Directorate of Laboratory and Pathology Services secured its third-cycle re-accreditation to the ISO 15189:2022 standard from the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS).

The achievement follows a rigorous four-day external assessment conducted between June 23 and June 26, 2026, during which KENAS auditors evaluated the laboratory’s quality management systems, technical competence, and compliance with international standards.

The assessment team recommended accreditation for 100% of the scope submitted, covering hematology, clinical chemistry, immunology, parasitology, bacteriology, mycobacteriology, blood transfusion, and histopathology.

Maintaining international standards

The latest accreditation marks another milestone for MTRH, which first earned KENAS accreditation in 2018 and has consistently maintained internationally accepted standards for laboratory testing and pathology services.

The recognition demonstrates the hospital’s continued focus on producing accurate, reliable, and timely diagnostic results while strengthening patient safety and quality assurance.

Laboratory accreditation under ISO 15189:2022 requires medical laboratories to demonstrate technical competence, effective quality management systems, and continuous improvement.

Compliance with the standard also enhances confidence among clinicians and patients by ensuring laboratory results meet internationally accepted benchmarks.

Florence Tum, Director of Laboratory and Pathology Services at MTRH, credited the accomplishment to the dedication, professionalism, and teamwork demonstrated by laboratory staff throughout the assessment process.

She noted that maintaining accreditation requires continuous monitoring, staff training, adherence to quality procedures, and a culture of ongoing improvement.

MTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Philip Kirwa also congratulated the laboratory team, saying the successful re-accreditation reflects the hospital’s unwavering commitment to quality healthcare, patient safety, and service excellence.

He added that maintaining internationally recognized laboratory standards strengthens MTRH’s position as one of Kenya’s leading referral hospitals and a regional centre for specialized healthcare.

Meanwhile, KENAS assessment team leader Julie Ochola commended the Directorate for sustaining a strong quality culture and consistently meeting the stringent requirements for retaining accreditation.

Hospital Expands Specialized Healthcare

The laboratory milestone comes as MTRH continues to strengthen its position as a national referral and teaching hospital through investments in specialized healthcare services and infrastructure.

Earlier this month, the hospital successfully performed Kenya’s first Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) procedure, a minimally invasive intervention used to treat severe complications associated with advanced liver disease.

The landmark procedure was made possible through investments in advanced medical technology, specialist training, and collaboration under the AMPATH Radiology Partnership, further expanding access to highly specialized care within Kenya.

In addition, government officials recently confirmed that construction of the new 2,000-bed MTRH Multi-Speciality Hospital remains on schedule for completion in early 2027.

Once operational, the facility is expected to become Kenya’s largest hospital, significantly increasing the country’s capacity for specialized treatment, medical training, and research while strengthening MTRH’s role as a regional healthcare hub.