In the quiet surroundings of LakeHub tech incubation center in Kisumu’s Milimani suburb, the hum of 3D printers fills the air, signifying a groundbreaking shift in medical manufacturing. This innovative technology is making waves in Kenya, where local entrepreneurs are deploying 3D printing to produce essential medical parts.
At the heart of this revolution is Kijenzi 3D, a startup that has been at the forefront of 3D printing medical supplies. With 16 Prusa 3D printers and two Mechboards, the company has churned out over 10,000 face shields and 5,000 ear savers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Hospitals and health centers in this region place orders every day,” says Daisy Achieng, who manages deliveries. “Our job is to manufacture and supply.”
Kijenzi 3D’s capabilities extend beyond face shields and ear savers. The company uses its technology to create parts for dialysis machines, microscope knobs, incubator latches, and more. This custom manufacturing approach allows hospitals to get tailored solutions quickly, significantly faster than importing expensive equipment which can take months to arrive.
The efficiency of 3D printing in producing medical parts is evident in the work of Nehemiah Mutie, who operates from Katoloni, Machakos. Mutie’s four 3D printers are busy producing face shields and ear savers, with each face shield taking just 20 minutes to print. Mutie also sells 3D printers to individuals looking to create their own equipment, having sold over 100 machines since 2016.
Similarly, Mehul Shah, based in Nairobi, has pivoted from industrial printing to producing face shields and ear savers. Despite initial setbacks with the Ministry of Health’s concerns about the safety of Y-splitters for ventilators, Shah’s four 3D printers now produce more than 7,000 face shields and hundreds of ear savers, distributing them to hospitals and health centers across Kenya and neighboring countries.
In Eldoret, St. Luke’s Orthopaedic and Trauma Hospital is utilizing 3D printing to create prosthetic arms for amputees. This initiative, in partnership with the Victoria Hand Project from Canada, significantly reduces the cost of prosthetics from Sh200,000 to Sh20,000, making them more accessible to those in need.
Annah Koinei, the lead technician at the hospital’s 3D printing department, explains that the process involves several steps including patient screening, measurements, and photometry. The entire procedure takes about five days, which is half the time of traditional methods.
“We can customize prosthetics precisely for the amputee, which enhances both function and comfort,” she says.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. The cost of filaments, which are essential for 3D printing, is high due to importation. Innovators like Mr. Mutie and Mr. Shah are experimenting with local filament production to reduce costs and reliance on international suppliers. Additionally, the Kenya Bureau of Standards’ lengthy approval process for new products poses a significant hurdle for the industry.
“There’s a need for faster approval processes from the government,” says Mr. Mutie. “Our products are in high demand, and delays in approval can impact patient care.”
As Kenya’s 3D printing industry continues to evolve, it is poised to make significant contributions to the medical field. The ability to produce customized, high-quality medical parts on demand represents a major leap forward in healthcare innovation. With ongoing support and improvements in local production, Kenyan innovators are set to play a crucial role in the future of medical technology.