The Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) has conducted cochlear implant surgeries as part of the “United, We Hear Better” program.
First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto and Princess Lalla Asmaa, President of the Lalla Asmaa Foundation and the Voice of Children Foundation, jointly launched the fourth phase of the program on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in Nairobi.
This initiative is a partnership between Kenya’s First Lady and Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asmaa of Morocco.
The donation will provide cochlear implants to approximately 70 Kenyan children living with profound hearing loss, with 20 surgeries scheduled to take place at MTRH.
The program aims to help these children develop essential speech, communication, and learning skills while supporting their psychosocial integration.
Cochlear implants are surgically implanted electronic devices that restore the sense of sound in individuals with severe-to-profound hearing impairment who can no longer benefit from conventional hearing aids.
Each implant, valued at around Ksh 3 million, will benefit children aged between one and ten years. However, all surgery-related costs are covered under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Who are the doctors conducting cochlear implant surgeries at MTRH?
The lead surgical team included Prof. Raji and Prof. Benhoumad from Morocco, while the MTRH cochlear implant team was led by Dr Owen Menach (Director of Surgical Services) and assisted by Dr Gerald Rotich and Dr Kennedy Muhaya from the ENT Head & Neck Department.
The audiology team featured Audiologist Ghita Torch (Cochlear) from Morocco and MTRH Senior Audiologist Angella Kiragu, while the nursing team was led by Herbert Oloo, alongside Beatrice Kimingi, Jackline Jepkemboi, Nehemiah Nyainda, Caren Chebii, and Euventine Rumut.
Other contributors included Dr Rose Kittony (Consultant Radiologist) as well as Mark Chebuttuk (Biomedical Engineer).
MTRH performed the first cochlear implant surgery in the region in June 2023.
“This generous donation furthers our mission to provide excellent healthcare services under Universal Health Coverage,” MTRH further said in a statement on Friday, November 7, 2025.
