Transforming Healthcare: Diagnostics & Lab Systems Strengthening

At CIHEB-Kenya, we're not just improving healthcare—we’re building smarter, faster, and more resilient systems that ensure the right test, at the right time for every patient. Through cutting-edge diagnostics and laboratory system strengthening, we're shaping a future where every test leads to timely, life-saving care.

Smarter Diagnostics, Faster Care

In many parts of Kenya, getting tested early and accurately can save lives. That’s why CIHEB-Kenya is leading innovations in diagnostics to close this gap.

Key Highlights:

  • Point-of-Care (POC) and decentralized GeneXpert services bring testing closer to communities, cutting turnaround times drastically.

  • In Kisumu and Migori, County-level viral load testing hubs now process HIV VL, EID, and HPV tests in under 6 days on average.

  • Machakos County piloted multiplexed EID testing via GeneXpert, slashing result turnaround from 15 to 2 days and speeding up ART initiation for infants.

  • Sample referral networks, powered by local boda boda riders, transported over 342,000 samples, improving efficiency and reducing delays across counties.

Building Resilient Lab Systems

Behind every accurate result is a system that works. CIHEB-Kenya focuses on infrastructure, training, and data to make sure labs deliver—every time.

What We've Achieved:

  • Improved biosafety in 12 labs in Nairobi, and trained 85%+ of lab staff on biosafety practices.

  • Supported 687 health workers on HIV testing, TB diagnosis, biosafety, and data use.

  • Helped counties upload 90%+ lab data consistently into KHIS-2, HCMP, and other systems.

  • Distributed tools and supported 95%+ reporting rates across lab systems in Kisumu and Migori.

Quality Assurance That Counts

CIHEB-Kenya helps labs meet national and international standards:

  • External Quality Assessments (EQA) show 87–100% satisfactory performance for HIV, AFB, and GeneXpert tests in Nairobi.

  • Improved HIV PT participation: Satisfactory rates rose from 85% to 91% in Kisumu and Migori (2023–2024).

  • 21 labs accredited under county QMS programs, plus ISO certification support for national and regional reference labs.

Innovation in Practice: LIS & Digital Health

By introducing Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), we’ve:

  • Improved data accuracy and clinical decision-making.

  • Linked LIS with EMRs and LMIS for better system integration.

  • Enabled real-time monitoring of HIV/TB services aligned to 95-95-95 goals.