Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has successfully carried out Kenya’s first orbital-facial prosthesis procedure in a public healthcare facility.
In a statement on Friday, February 13, KNH said the surgery was completed in January 2026, marking a major milestone as the first time such a highly specialised reconstruction has been performed in a public hospital in the country.
The hospital noted that the procedure was conducted on 65-year-old John Munyiri, a farmer from Laikipia County, who had been battling a rare and aggressive sinus cancer.
Historic Milestone as KNH Conducts First Advanced Facial Reconstruction Surgery. Photo: Courtesy.
KNH explained that Munyiri’s condition began as a persistent blockage in his left nostril before worsening over time, leading to swelling around his eye and severe disruption of his daily life.
A biopsy later confirmed maxillary carcinoma, and he was referred to KNH in June 2022, where he underwent 25 radiotherapy sessions in an effort to contain the disease.
The hospital said that although Munyiri underwent radiotherapy, the cancer continued to progress, forcing doctors to undertake radical surgery to save his life.
KNH explained that in June 2023, surgeons were compelled to remove his left eye, part of his nose, and sections of his upper jaw in order to stop the disease.
While the operation left him cancer-free, it also brought significant physical changes.
The hospital noted that the recovery came with a heavy emotional toll, as adjusting to his new appearance proved difficult.
According to KNH, the visible transformation affected his confidence, with the use of an eye patch attracting attention and making it challenging for him to continue his active role in community life.
Following the life-saving operation, KNH said its specialists began a structured rehabilitation programme aimed at restoring the patient’s speech and feeding functions through prosthetic intervention.
The hospital also explained that the Maxillofacial and Prosthodontics teams at its Dental Unit focused on helping Munyiri regain both functionality and dignity after the surgery.
Once he had healed, he was fitted with a customised maxillary obturator to close the gap between his mouth and nasal cavity, allowing him to speak more clearly and eat properly again.
KNH noted that dentures were later provided, alongside continued speech therapy and prosthetic support, which helped him gradually recover essential daily functions.
The hospital added that while his physical recovery progressed, the emotional impact of losing part of his face remained profound, prompting the medical team to pursue a more permanent facial restoration solution.
KNH moreover disclosed that the historic procedure was made possible through collaboration among ENT, prosthodontic, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and dental technology specialists.
