MTRH Conducts Cochlear Implant Surgeries under “United, We Hear Better” Program
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) today conducted cochlear implant surgeries as part of the “United, We Hear Better” program.
Her Excellency Rachel Ruto, First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, 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 in Nairobi.
This initiative is a partnership between Kenya’s First Lady, H.E. Rachel Ruto, 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.
All surgery-related costs are covered under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
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. The nursing team was led by Mr. Herbert Oloo, alongside Beatrice Kimingi, Jackline Jepkemboi, Nehemiah Nyainda, Caren Chebii, and Euventine Rumut. Other contributors included Dr. Rose Kittony (Consultant Radiologist) and 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.
