In a landmark achievement for healthcare in western Kenya, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) successfully conducted cochlear implant surgeries, enabling seven children born with profound hearing loss to hear for the first time. The milestone reflects a significant advancement in the country’s capacity to provide specialised ear and hearing care.
The procedures were carried out under the “United, We Hear Better” programme, a collaborative initiative between the Voice of Children Foundation, led by First Lady Rachel Ruto, and the Lalla Asmaa Foundation, headed by Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asmaa of Morocco. The fourth phase of the programme was officially launched on Wednesday in Nairobi, reinforcing both nations’ commitment to improving access to hearing restoration for children.
MTRH officials noted that the programme not only restores hearing but also builds local medical expertise, ensuring sustainable access to advanced cochlear implant surgeries. This milestone represents a first for families from across Kenya — including Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and other regions — to access such specialised hearing restoration procedures within a public healthcare facility
Expert Multidisciplinary Team
The surgeries were performed by a highly skilled team comprising specialists from Morocco and MTRH:
- Moroccan surgical team: Prof. Raji and Prof. Benhoumad
- MTRH surgical team: Dr Owen Menach (Director of Surgical Services), assisted by Dr Gerald Rotich and Dr Kennedy Muhaya (ENT Head & Neck Department)
- Anaesthesia team: Dr Elisha Kirwa (Specialist Transplant Anesthesiologist, MTRH)
- Audiology team: Ghita Torch (Cochlear, Morocco) and Angella Kiragu (Senior Audiologist, MTRH)
- Nursing team: Led by Mr Herbert Oloo, supported by Beatrice Kiming’i, Jackline Jepkemboi, Nehemiah Nyainda, Caren Chebii, and Euventine Rumut
- Additional support: Dr Rose Kittony (Consultant Radiologist) and Mark Chebuttuk (Biomedical Engineer)
All seven children, aged between one and five years, are reported to be stable and recovering well.
The “United, We Hear Better” programme aims to provide cochlear implants to approximately 70 Kenyan children, with 20 surgeries scheduled at MTRH and the remaining procedures in Nairobi. The initiative is designed not only to restore hearing but also to support the development of speech, communication, and learning skills, as well as psychosocial integration for the beneficiaries.
Fully funded by the Princess Lalla Asmaa Foundation and the Voice of Children Foundation, the programme covers the cost of implants and post-surgical care under the Social Health Authority (SHA) benefit package of Sh358,400 per child.
Voices of Gratitude
For parents, the restoration of hearing represents a profound emotional milestone.
“I can hardly believe my daughter will now hear my voice,” shared one mother. “We had resigned ourselves to silence, and now a new chapter begins.”
Another parent reflected on the life-changing impact of the surgery:
“When I learned my daughter’s surgery was successful, I was overwhelmed with emotion. After years of silence, we can now anticipate hearing her laughter and words.”
Doctors noted that the activation of the cochlear devices, when the children first perceive sound, will occur in the coming weeks following recovery and rehabilitation.
The Kenya–Morocco partnership positions MTRH and Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) as regional centres of excellence for ear and hearing care. The programme aligns with the World Health Organisation’s World Report on Hearing and Kenya’s National Ear and Hearing Care Strategic Plan, emphasising early identification, management, and rehabilitation for children with hearing impairments.
Officials and families expressed their profound appreciation to First Lady Rachel Ruto for her leadership through the Voice of Children Initiative:
“Her Excellency’s vision and commitment have opened doors for children who might otherwise remain in silence,” said a parent. “Her support has truly given our children the gift of sound.”
The launch was attended by Princess Lalla Asmaa, Ambassador Abderrazak Laassel of Morocco, Karim Essakalli (Deputy Chair of the Lalla Asmaa Foundation), and Mary Muinde (Director of the Voice of Children Foundation).
As this programme progresses, MTRH continues to exemplify excellence in specialised healthcare delivery, ensuring Kenya gain access to the transformative power of hearing
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