KNH MAKES SURGICAL HISTORY

Kenyatta National Hospital has successfully performed a nine-hour, first-ever reconstructive surgery to reconstruct the face of a young boy who was disfigured in a bandit attack in 2023.
The highly complex craniofacial procedure, performed on Thursday, September 25, 2025, by a team of KNH and University of Nairobi (UoN) experts, is a world surgical milestone and places Kenya at the forefront of innovative medical breakthroughs.

The procedure involved intricate facial reconstruction to restore function and form, and was the first of its kind in the world.
Health Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale congratulated the team, saying the success proves KNH's leadership in specialized care and the hospital's growing role as a source of medical excellence in the African region.

"Congo to our Great surgeons at Kenyatta National Hospital", Duale tweeted.
Ag. Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, also commended the surgical team for their outstanding skill, dedication, and courage.
"This success highlights not only the expertise and tenacity of our surgeons, but also Kenya's increasing leadership in specialized medical care. It is a message of hope to patients across Africa and beyond," Dr. Lesiyampe said.

The 7-year-old victim, Ian Baraka, is still hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and remains under dose medical care.
Ian sustained severe facial injuries on December 23, 2023, along the Isiolo-Meru border when, in the course of an attack on villagers by armed bandits, he was struck by a stray bullet in the face. He has since undergone extensive treatment and rehabilitation for injuries on his eyes and lower jaw.

The landmark operation was performed by a dedicated multidisciplinary team led by Prof. Symon Guthua (Lead Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon), Dr. Margaret Mwasha (Lead Consultant Prosthodontist), and Dr. Andrew Okiriamu (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon).

"Special thanks also to Dr Branice Munyasha, a resident student, Maxillofacial Surgery, who ran two marathons to contribute towards raising funds for Ian's surgery. KNH will continue to update on Ian's recovery in good time, while also respecting the privacy and well-being of his family," Lesiyampe pledged.