Clinical Expertise

Dr. Naomi Gachara is a leading pediatric cardiologist and interventional cardiologist with over 20 years of experience. She has worked at Kenyatta National Hospital since 2000, where she treats children with congenital and acquired heart diseases. Her work combines diagnosis, interventional cardiology, and open-heart surgery programs that have transformed child heart care in Kenya.

Training and Education

Dr. Gachara completed a Fellowship in Pediatric Cardiology at the Madras Medical Mission in India. She later earned a Master’s degree in Pediatric Cardiology from Ospedali Riuniti in Italy and advanced her expertise in fetal echocardiography at Miot Hospitals in India. She also holds an MMed in Pediatrics and an MBChB from the University of Nairobi.

Leadership in Cardiac Programs

She has played a vital role in expanding cardiac care services in Kenya. At Kenyatta National Hospital, she introduced the MEAK (Medical Education Aid to Kenya) program, which allowed children with complex heart conditions to undergo surgery locally instead of traveling abroad. In addition, she actively contributes to the Mater Hospital Cardiac Program and the Nairobi Hospital Open Heart Surgery Program.

Teaching and Mentorship

Dr. Gachara is also an Honorary Lecturer at the University of Nairobi and a faculty member at Aga Khan University Hospital. She trains undergraduate and postgraduate students in pediatrics and cardiology. In 2020, she helped establish a pediatric cardiology fellowship program at Kenyatta National Hospital. As a result, more counties in Kenya now have trained specialists in pediatric and adolescent heart care.

Research and Recognition

Her research interests include rheumatic heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. She has presented her findings at both local and international conferences, strengthening Kenya’s voice in global pediatric cardiology. In recognition of her service, she received the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) award in 2007.

At CRK-NGO, Dr. Gachara leads pediatric cardiology programs. She combines clinical expertise, mentorship, and leadership to bring life-saving cardiac care to underserved children across Kenya.