NAIROBI, Kenya — In a groundbreaking medical milestone, doctors at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) have successfully performed Kenya’s first-ever cochlear implant surgeries, marking a major leap in the country’s capacity to treat hearing impairments through local expertise.
The historic procedures were carried out by a team of Kenyan Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeons in collaboration with specialists from the Kingdom of Morocco.
The week-long mission, which runs from November 3 to 7, 2025, will benefit 50 children, with eight having already undergone successful operations at KNH’s main theatres.
“This achievement represents a new chapter for public healthcare in Kenya,” said KNH officials, hailing the development as a symbol of progress and regional leadership in specialized medical care.
The surgeries were made possible through a partnership between First Lady H.E. Mama Rachel Ruto and Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asmaa of Morocco.
As part of the collaboration, Morocco donated cochlear implant devices valued at over Sh120 million, significantly reducing treatment costs that previously made such procedures unaffordable for most families.
The cochlear implant, a small electronic device that stimulates the auditory nerve, enables children with severe hearing loss to perceive sound — a life-changing intervention that opens pathways to speech, education, and social inclusion.
For many of the young patients, the procedure marks the first time they will experience sound. “It’s not just about restoring hearing; it’s about restoring hope and connection,” said one KNH doctor involved in the mission.
Officials from the Ministry of Health said the success of the program positions Kenyatta National Hospital as a future Centre of Excellence in hearing care across East Africa.
The ministry also noted that the collaboration aligns with Kenya’s universal health coverage agenda and efforts to strengthen specialized services within public hospitals.
As the week-long surgeries continue, families of the beneficiaries have expressed gratitude for what they describe as “a miracle long awaited.”
Health experts say sustained partnerships, training, and investment will be crucial to ensuring the program’s long-term impact — enabling more Kenyans, especially children, to access life-altering hearing restoration.
