KNH Makes History With World-First Facial Reconstruction Surgery on Boy Disfigured in Bandit Attack

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has achieved a global medical milestone after surgeons successfully performed the world’s first facial reconstruction surgery of its kind on a seven-year-old boy who was disfigured in a bandit attack.

The nine-hour operation, conducted on Thursday by a joint team of KNH and University of Nairobi specialists, restored both function and appearance to Ian Baraka, who was shot in the face during an attack at the Isiolo-Meru border in December 2023.

Illustration of the face and the face reconstruction.

KNH Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, praised the surgical team’s “remarkable expertise, dedication, and courage,” saying the breakthrough “demonstrates Kenya’s rising leadership in specialized healthcare and offers hope to patients across Africa and beyond.”

The complex procedure was led by Prof. Symon Gathua, Dr. Margaret Mwasha and Dr. Andrew Okiro, with support from Dr. Branice Munyasa, who ran two marathons to raise funds for Ian’s treatment.

Ian remains in the Intensive Care Unit under close monitoring. KNH said it would provide updates on his recovery while respecting his family’s privacy.

The surgery cements KNH’s role as a continental leader in medical innovation and marks a new chapter in Africa’s contribution to global healthcare.