Kenyatta National Hospital Launches Sports Cardiology Unit for Athlete Safety

In a major win for athlete welfare, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) inaugurated East Africa’s first dedicated Sports Cardiology Unit on January 12, 2025. Funded by the Ministry of Health and FIFA Medical Network, the center offers free pre-participation screenings (ECG, echocardiograms) for elite and school athletes—responding to rising concerns over sudden cardiac events in sports. Over 3,200 athletes were screened in the first 6 months, with 17 high-risk cases referred for intervention (including 3 requiring implantable defibrillators). Prevention is better than podiums, said lead cardiologist Dr. Wanjiru Mwangi. The unit also trains regional clinicians and partners with Athletics Kenya on heat-stress protocols. Following its launch, the KSSSA mandated cardiac screening for all national school games qualifiers—a first in Africa. FIFA awarded KNH a USD 500,000 grant to expand mobile screening vans to rural counties.