Kenya- Morocco support large-scale cochlear implant surgeries

Kenya's public healthcare system has achieved a significant milestone with the initiation of its first large-scale cochlear implant surgeries at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). This follows the donation of 70 cochlear implant devices valued at Kshs. 120 million to support about 70 children with serious hearing loss.

Her Excellency Mrs. Rachael Ruto, the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, and Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asmaa of the Kingdom of Morocco attended the Cochlear Implant Medical Exercise, which aims to help approximately 70 children with hearing impairments. The First Ladies also witnessed the signing of an agreement between the Voice of Children Foundation and the Lalla Asmaa Foundation.

The surgeries are part of a combined humanitarian medical mission between the KNH, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), the Ministry of Health, and the two charities.  Princess Lalla Asmaa donated 58 cochlear implants and seven surgery equipment.

Princess Asmaa’s visit is part of a three-day official tour to Kenya at the invitation of Mrs. Ruto's, an endeavor that reflects increased Kenya-Morocco collaboration in health, humanitarian relief, and child welfare.  A further 30 surgical procedures are scheduled to be carried out in February 2026, during the Mrs. Ruto’s visit to Morocco.

The large-scale cochlear implant surgeries follow Kenya's first public-sector cochlear implant operation, which was performed at MTRH in 2023. These are part of the Cochlear Africa Programme, chaired by Princess Lalla Asmaa, which works with African First Ladies to improve hearing care for children.

The mission, which was initially intended for 2024 but was postponed owing to logistical issues and the Mpox epidemic, highlights the need of early hearing intervention and enhances Kenya's long-standing partnership with Morocco, giving hope to children and families throughout the nation.