How to Set Up a Medical Laboratory in Kenya: Equipment List and Cost
X107 Binocular Laboratory MicroscopeKSh 25,250
6 Tube Benchtop Laboratory CentrifugeKSh 8,000
Mission Plus Haemoglobin MeterKSh 9,000
On Call Blood Glucose MeterKSh 1,300Opening a laboratory is a list of about forty items and the small ones are the ones that get forgotten. This guide walks through the equipment for three sizes of lab with current prices, so you can budget properly before you sign a lease.
Level 1: a clinic bench
Microscopy, a centrifuge, haemoglobin and rapid tests. Enough for malaria, typhoid, pregnancy, HIV and urine work.
| Item | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Binocular Microscope X107 | Microscopy | KES 25,250 |
| Centrifuge, 6 tubes | Separating samples | KES 8,000 |
| Mission Plus Haemoglobin Meter | Hb testing | KES 9,000 |
| On Call Glucometer | Glucose | KES 1,300 |
| Malaria Rapid Test | Fever screening | KES 1,000 |
| Lab Coat | Bench safety | KES 900 |
Budget about KES 60,000 for the bench and KES 15,000 for the first month of consumables. See the Basic Laboratory Setup Kit.
Level 2: a diagnostic laboratory
Adds a three part haematology analyser, a semi automatic biochemistry analyser and cold chain. This is the lab that serves a medical centre or a level 3 facility.
| Item | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| EXCBIO EH8300 Haematology Analyzer, 3 part | Full blood count | KES 399,500 |
| Semi Automatic Biochemistry Analyzer | Chemistry panels | KES 190,500 |
| SCLG5 260 Vaccine Refrigerator | Reagent and vaccine storage | KES 164,500 |
| DHG 9025 Laboratory Oven | Drying and sterilising glassware | KES 35,350 |
| DNP 9025 Laboratory Incubator | Culture | KES 35,350 |
Budget about KES 900,000 for equipment. See the Medical Laboratory Setup Kit for the full list of 36 items.
Level 3: a full service laboratory
Automated haematology and biochemistry, a blood bank refrigerator and backup power.
| Item | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mindray BC 30s Haematology Analyzer | High volume blood counts | KES 550,500 |
| Automatic Biochemistry Analyzer | Walk away chemistry | KES 450,500 |
| Dymind DH36 Haematology Analyzer | Alternative 3 part analyser | KES 450,500 |
| Blood Bank Refrigerator 120 Litres | Blood storage | KES 100,500 |
| Online UPS 3kVA | Protecting analysers from power cuts | KES 48,480 |
Budget KES 1.6 million and above. See the Advanced Laboratory Setup Kit.
Licensing and space
A laboratory in Kenya needs registration with the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board and a licensed technologist on staff. Plan for a reception, a sample collection room, the bench and a separate area for waste. Send us the floor plan and we help you place the equipment.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to set up a medical laboratory in Kenya?
A clinic bench costs about KES 60,000 in equipment. A diagnostic laboratory with analysers costs about KES 900,000 and a full service laboratory KES 1.6 million and above.
Which analyser should a new lab buy first?
A three part haematology analyser. Full blood counts are the most requested test and the analyser pays for itself fastest.
Do you install analysers?
Yes. Analysers are installed and calibrated on site with training for your technologists and the first reagents.
Get a quote today
Tell us what you need and your county. We confirm the price, stock and delivery date, usually within the hour on WhatsApp. Chat on WhatsApp or request a pro forma invoice.
Buy or get a quote
Build your order from this guide
Tick what you need, set quantities and add everything to cart in one go, or send the list to us for a quote. Bulk orders welcome.
