Welcome to RHIPFactory, Kenya
Leading Innovation from the Heart of East Africa
We are innovating solutions that address the barriers to inclusive healthcare in Africa.
RHIPFactory, Kenya
Where Innovation meets Karibu Sana (a warm welcome)
Located in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital and the vibrant epicenter of East African innovation, the RHIPFactory Kenya Hub blends cutting-edge venture building with the unique energy, resilience, and warmth of Wakenya (the Kenyan people).
We don’t just build startups—we channel the grit of Gikomba (a bustling market in Nairobi), the agility of the Boda Boda (commercial motorbikes), and the capacity of the Matatu (mass transit minivans or buses) to churn out audacious healthtech ventures designed to serve East Africa’s most pressing healthcare needs.
Powered by Hustle, Heart, and Hope
The Kenyan Team
Our team reflects the diversity and soul of East Africa—a region where elders guide, youth drive change, and communities uplift one another. At the Kenya Hub, we converge a rich diversity of talent, skills, and experience with a shared belief in “Harambee” (pulling together). Whether it’s solving maternal health challenges in rural counties or designing smart diagnostics for growing cities, our Kenya-ness is our compass. Our guiding values are Ukarimu (Kindness), Ushirikiano (Collaboration), Uaminifu (Honesty), and Ujasiri (Courage).
These are not just words — they are the DNA of how we build East African ventures that matter.
Healthcare Challenges in East Africa
Despite being a tech leader, Kenya and the greater East African region face serious health sector gaps
Access inequality
Over 40% of Kenyans live more than 5 km from the nearest health facility.
Urban-rural disparity
70% of health workers are concentrated in cities, leaving rural areas underserved.
Non-communicable disease surge
NCDs now cause over 30% of deaths in Kenya, often undiagnosed or mismanaged.
Youth and reproductive health
Over 60% of the population is under 25, but access to youth-friendly services is limited.
Underfunded primary care
Public facilities face stockouts, data blind spots, and overstretched staff.
Doctor-to-population ratio
1:5,000 (WHO recommends 1:1,000)
Mobile health opportunity
85% mobile penetration across Kenya
Health Budget
Still under 10% of GDP, despite Abuja Declaration target of 15%
Maternal Mortality
342 deaths per 100,000 live births (KNBS, 2022)
Market Potential East Africa
Digital-first behaviour
Kenya leads in mobile money, online services, and digital health trials.
Investor confidence
Kenya ranks in the top 3 African countries for startup investments, especially in healthtech.
Regional scalability
The shared languages (Swahili, English), health frameworks (EAC), and diseases allow startups built in Kenya to expand across Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and beyond.
Government reform momentum
Kenya’s push for UHC, NHIF reform, and digital health records is opening doors for private-sector collaboration, both within Kenya and across the region.
Vision for the Kenya Hub
Our ambition is to make Kenya the birthplace of the region’s most scalable, inclusive, and impactful health-tech startups. Each year, we aim to launch 3–4 startups that reflect Kenyan ingenuity and regional relevance. These ventures will...
Bring healthcare closer to homes.
Empower health workers with better tools.
Make treatment faster, safer, and cheaper.
Leverage tech that speaks local languages and simplifies bureaucracies.
Join Us in Reimagining Health
Whether you’re a developer in Nakuru, a midwife in Eldoret, a researcher in Kisumu, a designer in Ukunda, a policymaker in Nairobi, or a VC in New York—you’re welcome to join the RHIPFactory Mission.
