Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has successfully conducted 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.
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 specialized care and the hospital’s growing role as a centre of medical excellence on the African continent.
Ag. 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 specialized healthcare. It is a message of hope to patients across Africa and beyond,” said Dr. Lesiyampe.
Patient currently at ICU
The patient, 7-year-old lan Baraka, is currently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and remains under close medical care.
lan 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).
“Special thanks also goes out to Dr Branice Munyasha, a resident student, Maxillofacial Surgery, who ran two marathons to raise funds for lan’s procedure,” KNH says. “KNH will continue to share updates on lan’s recovery in due course, while respecting the privacy and well-being of his family.”
