AGC Tenwek Hospital
From a modest clinic to a 365-bed hospital, Tenwek now serves over 220,000 patients annually and trains hundreds of healthcare professionals, amplifying its generational impact across Africa.
From the 1930’s to Today
Located in the rural highlands of Kenya, 150 miles NW of Nairobi, Tenwek Hospital was founded by American nurses in the 1930s, with the first physician, Dr. Ernie Steury, arriving in 1959. The book Miracle at Tenwek tells his inspiring life story.
Today, Tenwek offers primary healthcare to an area population of 4 million people in the greater South Rift region and is a surgery referral center for a region of more than 8.5 million people. It is designated at the highest level (6-B) in the Kenyan healthcare system for a teaching and referral hospital and treats patients from throughout Kenya and surrounding East African countries.
Through the collaborative efforts of local doctors and consultants, long-term missionary doctors, and visiting medical staff, the hospital serves an annual average of 220,000 outpatients and 20,000 inpatients. Tenwek Hospital offers world-class subspecialized care in areas such as obstetrics & gynecology, pediatrics, laparoscopy, endoscopy, diagnostic radiology; as well as a variety of highly-specialized surgical care, like cardiac, orthopedic, neurosurgery and ophthalmology.
To emphasize Africa Gospel Church’s guidance of and partnership with the hospital, the hospital’s name was officially expanded to ‘AGC Tenwek Hospital’ in 2023.
Tenwek’s motto, We Treat, Jesus Heals, underscores its mission: to ensure that all patients, staff, and visitors hear about Christ and His love for all people.
Other Ministries
Beyond direct medical services, the work of AGC Tenwek Hospital includes a broad educational and community support system, including training nurses, clinical officers, residents, and chaplains.
Tenwek Hospital Colleges
Tenwek Hospital College of Health Sciences
Beyond direct medical services, the work of Tenwek Hospital includes a broad educational and community support system, including training nurses, and clinical officers.
Tenwek Hospital College School of Chaplaincy
Tenwek Hospital uniquely integrates spiritual ministry with exceptional medical care, aiming to lead thousands of people to faith in Christ annually. Its chaplaincy program ensures every patient can experience the Gospel. Chaplains offer comfort, distribute Bibles, and encourage community church involvement. The L. Nelson Bell Chaplaincy School trains chaplains for diverse settings, emphasizing Gospel outreach and patient support, reflecting Tenwek’s commitment to healing both body and soul.
Residency Programs
The Tenwek Hospital Residency Programs, in partnership with PAACS and COSECSA, tackle the critical shortage of doctors in Africa, focusing on training surgeons with a commitment to Christ. Graduates serve in rural and underserved areas across government, private, and mission hospitals, enhancing healthcare access and quality.
Community Health
AGC Tenwek Hospital’s Community Health and Development program (TCHD) enhances lives in six southwestern Kenyan districts through holistic ministry with local pastors. Focusing on healthcare, community development, and spiritual hope, TCHD strengthens families and empowers churches, addressing needs from HIV/AIDS to food security and vocational training.
“Tenwek Hospital is one of the greatest evangelistic outreaches I know of anywhere in the world today.”
– Franklin Graham, CEO of Samaritan’s Purse