Urban Shihemi, 6 November 2025

The surgical mission at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), which culminates on Thursday November 7,2025, will benefit 50 children marking the first cochlear implant surgery ever conducted within Kenya’s public healthcare system.

In a first in Kenya’s medical history, local Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeons, working alongside specialists from Morocco, have successfully performed cochlear implant surgeries, giving children with hearing impairments a chance to hear for the first time.

The week-long surgical mission at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), which culminates on Thursday November 7,2025, will benefit 50 children. This marks the first cochlear implant surgery ever conducted within Kenya’s public healthcare system.

For the young patients and their families, the surgeries mean far more than restored hearing—they symbolise renewed hope, connection, and the promise of a brighter, inclusive future.

The significant milestone was made possible through a collaborative partnership between the Voice of Children, an initiative of the First Lady Rachel Ruto, and the Princess Lalla Asmaa Foundation of the Kingdom of Morocco. The Foundation donated cochlear implant devices worth over Sh120 million.

Speaking during a State Banquet at State House on Wednesday, November 6, the first lady paid gratitude to Princess Lalla for the generous support, saying that her compassion will transform the lives of many children, granting them the precious gift of hearing. “We extend our deepest appreciation to Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asmaa of the Kingdom of Morocco, whose gracious support in advancing the cochlear implant programme has further strengthened the bonds of friendship between Kenya and Morocco,” she said.

On his part, the Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the surgery expands paediatric hearing care and access to specialised services for children with disabilities. “I commend the First Lady, Princess Lalla Asmaa and the medical teams for their exemplary service to humanity,” he said during the official launch of the Cochlear Implant Programme at Kenyatta National Hospital.

“As a Ministry, we remain committed to strengthening ear and hearing care as part of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Cochlear implant surgeries are now covered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) benefit package,” he added.

The CS said through the AT Scale Project, the government has also equipped over 25 health facilities with hearing devices and diagnostic equipment, restoring hearing and dignity to many lives.

Cochlear implant surgery is a specialised procedure for patients with severe to profound hearing loss. It involves the surgical implantation of an electronic device into the cochlea to stimulate the auditory nerve—enabling the perception of sound and communication development.

The launch was attended by among others, the Moroccan ambassador to Kenya Abderrazzak Laassel, Naima Ben Yahia, Morocco’s Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family, Cabinet Secretary for Gender Hanna Cheptumo, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Nairobi County Deputy Governor James Muchiri and the Chairman of Kenyatta National Hospital Abbas Gullet.

Source : Sahifa Media