A few years ago, patients needing a biopsy at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) could wait for up to three months. Today, they are seen within two weeks, allowing treatment to begin much earlier.
At the centre of this transformation is Fiona Anyumba, one of Kenya’s youngest interventional radiologists, whose work is quietly redefining how specialised healthcare is delivered in public hospitals.
At 37, she heads the Vascular and Interventional Radiology Unit, where they use CT scans, ultrasound and X-rays to perform minimally invasive procedures that replace major surgery. Her work reduces pain, shortens recovery and hospital stays, while expanding access to advanced, life-saving care. Her path into interventional radiology began in Kisii County, where she sought to solve the challenge of patients with tumours travelling long distances for biopsies.
Drawing on skills gained during her radiology residency, she started offering the service locally, bringing diagnosis closer to patients. This experience inspired her to pursue advanced fellowship training at the University of Toronto, Canada, before bringing the skills home.
"Working closely with the Social Health Authority to expand coverage for interventional procedures is one way we can lower barriers."
Today, she oversees multidisciplinary teams of doctors, nurses, radiographers and medical records officers while helping establish systems and standards for a rapidly growing specialty.
On a typical day, her team performs up to 20 biopsies and drainage procedures or several complex vascular interventions.
Beyond treatment, she is determined to tackle the challenge of inequality in healthcare through boosting access. “Too often, a patient’s access to specialised treatment depends on where they were born, what they can afford or the insurance they have. Working closely with the Social Health Authority to expand coverage for interventional procedures is one way we can lower those barriers.”
She is convinced Kenya has the expertise, infrastructure and strategic position to become a regional healthcare hub and provided greater investment follows.
She desires to inspire more women to pursue leadership by proving that respect is earned through competence, collaboration and service.
One difficult lesson she has learned is that success requires consistent effort. Another is that not everyone will celebrate your success, focusing on your age, gender or perceived lack of experience.
“That is why it is important to stay focused.”
–Lynet Igadwah