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Cosmetic surgery driving Kenya's medical tourism
According to the Kenya Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (KSPRS), Kenya currently has around 32 registered plastic surgeons, with a further nine expected soon.
Cosmetic surgeons in Kenya are seeing an increase in the number of international patients seeking aesthetic procedures, with this figure doubling over the past five years.
At the AJ Plastic Surgery Centre in Nairobi, for example, enquiries and visits now total around 230 per month, up from approximately 100 three years ago. The clinic has treated around 3,000 patients in the past year.
Aesthetic plastic surgery, also known as cosmetic surgery, refers to procedures that enhance the appearance of the face and body.
Martin Ajujo, a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon at AJ Plastic Surgery Centre, said that many of these clients come from around 18 countries, including those across East Africa and from the Kenyan diaspora. They come for complex reconstructive work and elective aesthetic procedures.
“Our clinics are receiving more international referrals, with patients choosing Kenya for the combination of quality and value,” said Dr Ajujo.
“We see patients from East and Central Africa (Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania), Ethiopia, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Ghana. Kenya/Africans in the diaspora from Europe, the Gulf, Canada, and the US.”
The most common requests are for liposuction, tummy tucks, breast procedures, facelifts and non-surgical treatments such as Botox, fillers and chemical peels.
At AJ, liposuction costs around $6,000 (Sh775,500), tummy tucks approximately $7,500 (Sh969,400), and breast surgery typically $5,000 (Sh646,300), while Botox injections start at $100 (Sh12,900).
“Cosmetic surgery now represents about 60 percent of our caseload —roughly 30 to 40 aesthetic surgeries per month —compared to traditional reconstructive procedures for issues like cleft repair or trauma scars,” said Dr Ajujo.
“Most clients are middle- to upper-income professionals, entrepreneurs, or returnees from abroad looking for refined, natural results.”
Dr Martin Ajujo a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at AJ Plastic Surgery Center based on Ngong Road, Nairobi.
Photo credit: Pool
Other clinics, such as the Nairobi Sculpt Aesthetic Centre, offer liposuction starting at around Sh300,000 breast lifts and tummy tucks for between Sh550,000 and Sh700,000, and non-invasive treatments such as Botox for between Sh15,000 and Sh40,000.
Botox has become one of the most popular aesthetic services, particularly among women aged 30 to 55. Clinics frequently report an increase in male clients seeking Botox and fillers, particularly for subtle enhancements.
At the Vitality Fountain clinic, operated by Dr Tilman Stasch, liposuction using water-assisted techniques starts at Sh510,000. The clinic has noted an increasing number of younger clients seeking body sculpting, as well as older patients aiming for rejuvenation.
"Over the past three years, we've seen a 25 to 30 percent increase in male clients," said Dr John Paul Ogalo, a plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon at Nairobi Sculpt Aesthetic Centre.
“They come for procedures such as liposuction, tummy tucks, gynaecomastia (male breast reduction) and hair transplants —and now even rhinoplasty.”
Globally, cosmetic surgery prices vary widely. In the US, liposuction averages around $7,000 to $9,000, a tummy tuck can range from $8,000 to $12,000, and breast augmentation costs between $6,000 and $8,000.
The UK offers similar procedures slightly cheaper—liposuction at about $5,500 to $7,500. In Turkey, a popular medical tourism hub, prices are significantly lower: liposuction starts at around $2,500, tummy tucks at $3,000 to $4,500, and breast procedures $3,000 to $5,000.
However, despite Kenya’s pricing sometimes being higher than countries like Turkey or India, it continues to attract international patients.
According to Dr Ajujo, many international clients choose Kenya because of its proximity, shared language, reputation for personalised care, and the discretion afforded by regional travel.
“For patients from neighbouring countries and the diaspora returning home, Kenya offers trusted, board-certified professionals, cleaner post-op follow-up logistics, and less red tape compared to Western countries. Moreover, local clinics offer aftercare flexibility, including virtual checkups and tailored wellness packages—making the experience more convenient and familiar,” he said.
He added that the growth of this industry is driven by rising awareness, a growing middle class, access to global beauty trends through social media and the emergence of world-class surgical expertise locally.
“People are now more informed, confident and open about both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Reconstruction procedures, such as cleft palate repair, post-trauma scar work or breast reconstruction, remain critical, but demand now leans heavily towards aesthetics,” he said.
Similarly, access to global cosmetic trends and cutting-edge surgical technology has increased, and local surgeons continue to undergo training abroad and introduce new techniques.
According to the Kenya Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (KSPRS), Kenya currently has around 32 registered plastic surgeons, with a further nine expected soon.
“There has been an increase in the number of people seeking cosmetic surgery to achieve what they consider to be the ideal body,” said Prof Fernando Nangole, president of the KSPRS.
Kenya's medical tourism sector is estimated to be valued Sh10 billion annually, with cosmetic surgery contributing over Sh1.2 billion to this figure. International patients now account for almost 40 percent of consultations at some of the country's leading clinics.
According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Kenya ranks among the top five plastic surgery markets in Africa, alongside South Africa and Nigeria, with the industry experiencing an annual growth rate of about 22 percent since 2020.
In 2023, the country generated around $15 million in revenue from medical tourism, thanks to its medical visa programme. International patients accounted for almost 40 percent of appointments at prominent clinics.
Cosmetic surgery clients typically range in age from 25 to 55, with an increasing number in the 35 to 45 age group. While female clients remain in the majority, men now account for 25 to 30 per cent of patients at top practices. Most surgeries are outpatient procedures or require just one overnight stay, with virtual follow-ups.
Beyond surgical practices, the economic impact is growing. Businesses in travel, hospitality, skincare and recovery are tailoring their services for medical tourists. Wellness retreats, nutritionists, wellness spas, physiotherapists and even local airlines now offer packages tied to surgical stays.
Dr Ajujo said that they plan to launch mobile clinics in rural areas by 2026, and are exploring strategic partnerships with training institutions to develop future specialist surgeons.
While the sector is growing rapidly, regulators are stepping in. Following incidents at unregistered facilities, Kenya’s Ministry of Health has started to evaluate cosmetic clinics and spas more closely, introducing improved emergency protocols and infection control standards.
“All beauty and medical spas are prohibited from offering or advertising invasive medical procedures unless they have been properly inspected, registered, and licensed in accordance with the relevant standards,” said Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary for Health.
