Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has made a groundbreaking medical advancement by successfully performing the world’s first Transhumeral Targeted Sensory Reinnervation (TSR) surgery.
The operation was carried out on Moses Mwendwa, a 22-year-old software engineering student who lost his left arm to compartment syndrome earlier this year.
TSR is an advanced technique that reconnects nerves from an amputated limb to the remaining skin, allowing the brain to sense touch, pain, and temperature as if the limb were still present
The seven-hour procedure was led by a team of Kenyan and international specialists during Africa’s first TSR surgical camp at KNH from April 28 to May 2, 2025. Moses’ surgery took place on April 29 and was immediately successful, restoring sensation to his phantom limb.
The milestone was achieved through a collaborative effort involving top surgeons, anesthetists, nurses, and support staff.
“This isn’t just surgical innovation — it’s the restoration of dignity, function, and hope for people who thought such sensations were lost forever.”Dr. Kennedy Ondede said.
Similar sentiments were raised by the Head of Specialized Surgeries.
“This TSR surgical camp is just the beginning. We are proud to be setting a new global benchmark in patient-centered surgical care.” Dr. Joel Lessan stated.
“This achievement reaffirms our commitment to strategic partnerships and demonstrates that at KNH, we are home to world-class medical professionals and cutting-edge technology,” he concluded.
The innovation not only changes Moses’ life but also marks a turning point in African and global reconstructive surgery. KNH now aims to institutionalize TSR camps to benefit amputees across the continent. The hospital leadership lauded the breakthrough as a testament to Kenya’s capacity for world-class healthcare innovation.
“Feeling my missing hand again after believing it was gone forever — that’s not just medicine, that’s magic.” Moses said.
His story, and those of his fellow camp participants, embodies KNH’s vision of pushing medical boundaries to redefine human possibility.
