Nairobi Hospital golf tournament raises hope for children with congenital heart defects

The Nairobi Hospital held its annual Children’s Charity Heart Fund Golf Tournament at Karen Country Club on Friday, rallying support for children born with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Held under the theme “Giving Little Hearts Big Dreams”, the event brought together golfers, corporate sponsors, and health advocates in a spirited effort to raise funds and awareness for CHD—a condition that affects 1 in every 100 live births.

The hospital says the proceeds from the tournament will go towards life-saving surgeries and post-operative care for children under 12. So far, the Children’s Charity Heart Fund has helped over 400 children receive free heart operations, transforming lives that would otherwise have been lost due to lack of access and prohibitive costs.

“We are privileged to have a growing number of partners rally behind this noble cause,” said The Nairobi Hospital CEO Felix Osano. “With their support, we’ve expanded access to critical diagnosis and cardiac care, especially in underserved communities. This is how we build resilient, healthier societies.”

He called on more corporates and individuals to join in supporting the fund, noting that pediatric cardiac care in Kenya remains inaccessible to many families due to the high cost of surgery—up to Sh2.5 million per operation—and a shortage of specialized doctors.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 5,000 children in Kenya need heart surgery annually, but only a fraction are treated due to limited capacity. Kenya has fewer than 15 pediatric cardiologists and only two hospitals equipped for pediatric open-heart surgeries.

Board Chairperson Dr. Barcley Onyambu said expanding access to treatment for serious childhood illnesses is a top priority.

“Our goal is to ensure children with complex conditions like heart disease receive equitable access to healthcare. Through partnerships with like-minded corporates, we’re delivering lasting health solutions across the country,” he said.

This year’s edition of the tournament built on past momentum by rallying professional golfers, private sector donors, and community stakeholders, with all proceeds directed to the Heart Fund.

The Nairobi Hospital reaffirmed its commitment to advancing medical excellence in the region through capacity building, digital systems, and global partnerships aimed at transforming the continent’s health landscape.