KMC started in 1916 by the Africa Inland Mission (AIM), provides secondary and tertiary care and is run by the Africa Inland Church (AIC). This raised the question of priorities for mission hospitals - should KMC have so many doctors when areas such as northern Kenya are desperately short.

Firstly there is the motivation for missionary provision. Jesus came' that they might have life to the full (Jn 10:10). His concern is with quality as much as quantity of life. The competent plastic or rehabilitation surgeon often transforms patients physical lives.

Secondly there is the place of the individual within the larger system. KMC provides tertiary care in the context of a caring community addressing the needs of the whole person. The provision of specialists may also free generalists for primary care.

Thirdly KMC trains hospital staff who move on to less well equipped facilities. Students expand their knowledge base and clinical competence and provide a better service.