By Mutayoba Arbogast
As the Kairuki family marks the
26th anniversary of Prof. Hubert Mwombeki Kairuki’s passing, their unwavering
commitment to his legacy shines brighter than ever. In a society where
inherited wealth is often squandered, the Kairuki family defies stereotypes,
steering the institutions he built with the same discipline and dedication that
defined his life.
Born in 1940 in Kigarama village,
Kagera region, Prof. Kairuki was a visionary obstetrician-gynecologist with a
dream: to transform healthcare in Tanzania.
When he passed away on February 6,
1999, he left behind not only a grieving family but also a legacy that
continues to thrive through Kairuki Hospital and Kairuki University.
His widow, Madame Kokushubila
Kairuki, took the mantle with remarkable strength, ensuring that his dream
didn’t just survive but flourished.
“People assume that once the
founder is gone, everything crumbles,” says Dr. Clementina Kairuki, one of the
couple’s five children and a specialist in clinical embryology and health
management. “For us, it was never an option. We grew up witnessing our parents’
sacrifice, their work ethic, and their relentless pursuit of excellence. That
shaped us.”
Indeed, the family’s devotion has
propelled Kairuki Hospital into a center of medical innovation. Long before
advanced technology became commonplace in Tanzania, Kairuki Hospital was
setting the pace. In 1997, it became the first in the country to introduce the
TC SCAN machine, a game-changer in diagnostic imaging.
More recently, the hospital
pioneered the Green IVF (in vitro fertilization) program, leading to the birth
of over 50 babies—a remarkable feat in a country where fertility treatments
remain limited.
Beyond reproductive medicine, the
hospital continues to break new ground. High-intensity focused Ultrasound
(HIFU) technology, a revolutionary procedure for removing tumors without
surgery, is now available at Kairuki Hospital, offering patients less invasive,
cutting-edge treatment options.
“We are constantly looking ahead,
just like our father did,” Clementina adds. “He never settled. He believed that
Tanzanians deserved world-class healthcare right here at home. That’s the
philosophy we carry forward.”
Yet, for all its achievements, the
hospital has also had to contend with misconceptions. Some assume it is owned
by foreign investors, particularly Indian entities. The reality? It remains
firmly in the hands of the Kairuki family. “It’s a Tanzanian institution, built
by Tanzanians, for Tanzanians,” Clementina states firmly. “We take immense
pride in that.”
But the family’s contributions
don’t stop at healthcare. Education was another cornerstone of Prof. Kairuki’s
vision.
Established in 1997 and accredited
in 2000 as one of Tanzania’s first private universities, Kairuki University has
become a respected institution in the country’s higher education landscape.
It is not just an academic center but a
training ground for the next generation of healthcare professionals who will
carry forward his mission.
Each of Prof. Kairuki’s children
has found a way to contribute, be it in medicine, law, or diplomacy. Dr.
Clementina spearheads medical advancements, while her siblings—Siima Kairuki, a
lawyer; Muganyizi Kairuki, a general surgeon; Dr. Nkemerwa Kairuki, a
physician; and Mbelwa Kairuki, Tanzania’s High Commissioner to the UK—have all
woven themselves into the fabric of national development.
The family credits their father’s
legacy not just to his professional achievements but to the values he instilled
in them. “Our parents emphasized discipline and education above all else,”
Clementina reflects. “We weren’t just expected to succeed; we were expected to
contribute, to make an impact.”
As they commemorate this milestone,
the Kairuki family remains steadfast in their mission. The Kairuki Health and
Education Network (KHEN), under the leadership of Madame Kokushubila Kairuki,
continues to expand its reach, ensuring that both Kairuki Hospital and Kairuki
University evolve with the times while staying true to their founding
principles.
“We don’t see this as just
maintaining a legacy,” Clementina concludes. “We see it as building on it,
pushing boundaries, and making sure that what our father started continues to
change lives for generations to come.”
And so, 26 years on, the story of
Prof. Hubert Kairuki is not one of nostalgia but of endurance, vision, and an
unbreakable family bond that keeps his dream alive.
As they commemorate this milestone,
the Kairuki family remains steadfast in their mission. The Kairuki Health and
Education Network (KHEN), under the leadership of Madame Kokushubila Kairuki,
continues to expand its reach, ensuring that both Kairuki Hospital and Kairuki
University evolve with the times while staying true to their founding
principles.
“We don’t see this as just
maintaining a legacy,” Clementina concludes. “We see it as building on it,
pushing boundaries, and making sure that what our father started continues to
change lives for generations to come.”
Private health facilities in
Tanzania have played a transformative role in supplementing government efforts
to provide quality medical services. While public hospitals struggle with
overcrowding, limited resources, and long wait times, private institutions like
Kairuki Hospital have stepped in to bridge the gap. These facilities are not
merely alternatives but essential pillars in the country’s healthcare
ecosystem.
“People sometimes think of private
hospitals as luxury options,” says Dr. Muganyizi Kairuki, a general surgeon.
“But the reality is that they provide indispensable services. We handle complex
cases, introduce new medical technologies, and ensure that patients receive
timely, high-quality care.”
The flexibility of private
hospitals allows them to quickly adopt innovations, invest in specialized
equipment, and attract top-tier medical professionals.
This is evident at Kairuki
Hospital, where new procedures like non-invasive tumor removal through HIFU
technology and advanced fertility treatments have become game-changers for many
Tanzanians who would otherwise have to seek care abroad.
However, the role of private
hospitals extends beyond technology and convenience. They also contribute
significantly to medical training and research.
Kairuki University, for instance, is a beacon
of medical education, producing highly skilled professionals who are shaping
Tanzania’s healthcare future.
“Training is just as crucial as
treatment,” says Clementina. “It’s not enough to offer excellent care today—we
have to ensure the next generation of doctors can do the same.”
Ultimately, Kairuki Hospital stands
as a testament to what private healthcare can achieve when driven by vision and
purpose. It is not just a hospital—it is a legacy of service, innovation, and
commitment to the well-being of Tanzanians.
Twenty-six years after Prof.
Kairuki’s passing, his dream is not only alive but thriving, proving that
healthcare is not just about infrastructure; it is about people, passion, and
an unwavering dedication to saving lives.