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Duale lauds KNH doctors after first groundbreaking facial surgery on a 7-year-old
27th September, 2025 10:51 AM
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has lauded the Kenyatta National Hospital surgeons after conducting a first-time surgery involving intricate facial reconstruction to restore the function and appearance of a seven-year-old.
The CS took to his X account on Saturday, September 27, 2025, congratulating the team while describing the surgeons as great health personnel.
“Congratulations to our great surgeons at Kenyatta National Hospital,” Duale wrote.
Also watch: Kenyatta Hospital successfully separates conjoined twins
Worth noting, on the 26th of September 2025, Kenyatta National Hospital issued a report after successfully conducting a nine-hour, first-of-its-kind reconstructive surgery to restore the face of a young boy disfigured during a bandit attack in 2023.
“The highly complex craniofacial procedure, performed on Thursday, September 25, 2025, by a multidisciplinary team of KNH and University of Nairobi (UoN) specialists, marks a global surgical milestone and places Kenya at the forefront of advanced medical innovation,” KNH said.
The surgery involved intricate facial reconstruction to restore function and appearance, making it the first procedure of its kind worldwide.
It showcases KNH’s leadership in specialised care and the hospital’s growing role as a centre of medical excellence on the African continent.
Also watch: KNH murder shock: Who is the man behind the mask?
On the other hand, the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr Richard Lesiyampe, commended the surgical team for their remarkable expertise, dedication, and courage.
“This milestone demonstrates not only our surgeons’ skill and determination but also Kenya’s rising leadership in specialised healthcare. It is a message of hope to patients across Africa and beyond,” Lesiyampe said.
Bandit attack
The patient, 7-year-old Ian Baraka, is currently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and remains under close medical care.
Notably, Ian sustained severe facial injuries on December 23, 2023, at the Isiolo-Meru border when armed bandits attacked villagers, and a stray bullet struck him in the face. Since then, he has undergone extensive treatment and rehabilitation for injuries to his eyes and lower jaw.
The pioneering procedure 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).
KNH further announced that the team will continue to share updates on Lan’s recovery in due course, while respecting the privacy and well-being of his family.
