From Kibaki’s Personal Doctor to Founder of Karen Hospital: Meet Dr. Gikonyo
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Dr Dan Gikonyo Profile
| DATE OF BIRTH | 1952 |
| FAMILY | Dr Betty Gikonyo (wife), 3 children |
| OCCUPATION | Cardiologist |
Dr Gikonyo Biography
Dr Dan Kibuka Gikonyo is one of Kenya’s most respected heart specialists and the founder of The Karen Hospital.
Dr Gikonyo has built a medical career spanning more than four decades. He is best known for serving as former President Mwai Kibaki’s personal doctor for over 40 years and for helping establish one of the country’s leading private hospitals.
Apart from his work as a cardiologist, he has also mentored many heart specialists in Kenya and across East Africa.
Education Background
Dr Gikonyo began his medical studies at the University of Nairobi, where he earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) between 1970 and 1975.
He later pursued a Master of Medicine (M.Med) in Internal Medicine at the same university from 1977 to 1980.
Before joining the university, he studied at Kagumo High School, where he completed his Cambridge A-Level studies between 1968 and 1969.
After completing his postgraduate studies in Kenya, Dr Gikonyo further specialised in cardiology in the United States. He trained at the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation between 1983 and 1985 and also undertook research fellowships at the Mayo Clinic.
He is currently a Post-Doctoral Fellow in Adult Cardiology at the University of Minnesota and a member of the American College of Cardiology.
Career Journey
Dr Gikonyo started his career as a Medical Officer at Provincial Hospital Nakuru between 1975 and 1977.
He later joined Kenyatta National Hospital, where he worked as a Senior House Officer before rising to the position of Specialist II.
Between 1981 and 1982, he lectured at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Nairobi in the cardiology section.
He later travelled to the United States for advanced training and research in heart medicine.
Today, Dr Gikonyo serves as the Chief Cardiologist and founder of The Karen Hospital, a leading private medical facility established in 2006 in Nairobi.
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Serving Kenya’s Top Leaders
Dr Gikonyo gained national attention after helping former President Mwai Kibaki recover following a serious road accident shortly before the 2002 General Election.
Over the years, he has also treated several prominent Kenyan leaders and activists, including:
- Kenneth Matiba (deceased)
- Wangari Maathai (deceased)
- Raila Odinga (deceased)
- Timothy Njoya
- Raphael Tuju
- Moses Kuria
- Rigathi Gachagua
During the struggle for multi-party democracy in Kenya during the KANU regime, Dr Gikonyo reportedly risked state surveillance to offer medical treatment to opposition leaders and activists.
Family and Marriage
Dr Dan Gikonyo has been married to Dr Betty Gikonyo since June 1974.
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Dr Betty Gikonyo is also a renowned heart specialist and has played a major role in the growth of The Karen Hospital.
The couple has three children, all of whom are involved in the management and operations of the family hospital:
- Dr Anthony Kibuka Gikonyo – A cardiology specialist and Clinical Director at the hospital.
- Juliet Nyaga – An epidemiologist serving as the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer.
- Eric Mwangi – Oversees the records and data division at the hospital.
Net Worth
Dr Dan Gikonyo’s exact net worth is not publicly known.
However, his wealth is believed to come from his long career as a doctor, his medical consultancy work, and his ownership in The Karen Hospital.
He is the founder of The Karen Hospital, one of Kenya’s leading private hospitals, and is also a well-known heart specialist (cardiologist).
Because of his experience and success in the medical field, he is regarded as one of the most influential people in Kenya’s healthcare sector.
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Karen Hospital Funder Dr Dan Gikonyo. PHOTO/Karen Hospital