Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has made medical history by successfully fitting Kenya’s first orbital-facial prosthesis in a public healthcare facility, restoring both function and dignity to a cancer survivor who had lived with an eye patch for nearly four years.

The groundbreaking procedure was performed on 65-year-old Mr. John Munyiri, a farmer from Laikipia County, whose battle with maxillary carcinoma began with a persistent nasal blockage that progressed to severe facial disfigurement.

In a statement KNH said in 2022, after months of worsening symptoms, including a swollen, watery left eye Munyiri was diagnosed with the aggressive sinus cancer. He was referred to KNH, where he underwent 25 sessions of radiotherapy to halt the disease’s spread. When the cancer persisted, surgeons performed radical surgery in June 2023, removing his left eye, part of his nose, and portions of his upper jaw to save his life.

Cancer-free but profoundly changed, Munyiri faced daily challenges: difficulty speaking, eating, sleeping, and farming. An eye patch became a constant, painful reminder of his loss, drawing unwanted attention and eroding his confidence in his rural community.

The KNH Maxillofacial and Prosthodontics teams did not stop at life-saving treatment. First, they fitted him with a customized maxillary obturator to seal the opening between his mouth and nasal cavity, followed by dentures and speech therapy that restored essential functions. Yet the emotional and social burden of the missing eye and facial defect remained.

In June 2025, a multidisciplinary team, including Dr. Samuel Okerosi (Consultant ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon), Dr. Margaret Mwasha (Consultant Prosthodontist), Dr. Andrew Okiriamu (Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon), and Dental Technologist Mr. John Kariuki designed and fabricated a three-piece, magnet-retained orbital-facial prosthesis. The custom device, anchored magnetically for stability and comfort, was fitted in January 2026, marking the first time such an advanced facial prosthesis has been successfully provided within Kenya’s public health system. The result: restored facial symmetry, improved confidence, and freedom from the eye patch.

Today, MMunyiri is back on his farm, speaking clearly, eating comfortably, and actively participating in community life once again.