Endoscopy and colonoscopy cost in Kenya: 2026 price guide
What gastroscopy, colonoscopy, ERCP, and bronchoscopy cost across Kenyan hospitals in 2026 — with and without sedation, with and without biopsy.
Endoscopy in Kenya covers a family of procedures — upper GI (gastroscopy), lower GI (colonoscopy), bile duct (ERCP), and airway (bronchoscopy). Prices in 2026 vary widely depending on whether sedation, biopsy, and consultant fees are included.
Gastroscopy (upper GI endoscopy) cost in Kenya
- Diagnostic gastroscopy without biopsy: KES 12,000 – 25,000
- With biopsy and histology: KES 18,000 – 38,000
- With CLO test for H. pylori: add KES 1,500 – 3,000
- With sedation (propofol or midazolam): add KES 3,000 – 8,000
Colonoscopy cost in Kenya
- Diagnostic colonoscopy without biopsy: KES 18,000 – 35,000
- With polypectomy (polyp removal): KES 25,000 – 55,000
- With biopsy and histology: KES 24,000 – 45,000
- Bowel preparation kit (PEG solution): KES 1,500 – 3,000
- Sedation: add KES 4,000 – 10,000
ERCP and bronchoscopy
Therapeutic ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) is the most expensive endoscopic procedure in Kenya — typically KES 80,000 to KES 250,000 because of the contrast, fluoroscopy, and operator skill required. Diagnostic bronchoscopy starts around KES 25,000 to KES 60,000; therapeutic procedures (bronchoalveolar lavage, brush biopsy, transbronchial biopsy) push that to KES 45,000 to KES 110,000.
Where the price comes from
An endoscopy bill is rarely one line item. You're paying for: the gastroenterologist's procedure fee, the anaesthetist's sedation fee, theatre time, disposables (forceps, snares), histopathology if anything is sent for testing, and a recovery bed for the hour after the procedure. When you ask for a quote, ask for the all-in price — not just the procedure fee.
NHIF and insurance coverage
NHIF covers diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy at NHIF-accredited facilities as part of the inpatient/day-care surgical package. Most private medical schemes cover endoscopy under their surgical benefit limit (typically KES 100,000 to KES 500,000). Pre-authorisation is almost always required — call your insurer two business days before the procedure.
Reducing cost without compromising safety
- Choose a NHIF-accredited centre if you have NHIF — your out-of-pocket is much lower.
- Ask whether your insurer has a preferred-provider rate at specific facilities.
- Skip sedation only if your gastroenterologist agrees the procedure can be done comfortably without it.
- Get the procedure done early in the day — last-slot bookings sometimes carry rush surcharges.
When the cheapest quote is the wrong choice
Endoscopy carries real risks — perforation, bleeding, aspiration. The cost of a complication at a poorly equipped facility dwarfs any saving on the procedure fee. Pick the centre based on the gastroenterologist's experience and the facility's safety record, then negotiate the price.