Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Nairobi, Kenya, has pulled off a groundbreaking medical feat after surgeons successfully reconstructed the face of a 7-year-old boy who was disfigured during a brutal bandit attack in 2023.

The nine-hour operation, carried out on Thursday, September 25, 2025, is being hailed as the first procedure of its kind anywhere in the world, firmly placing Kenya on the global map of surgical innovation.

A joint team of specialists from KNH and the University of Nairobi undertook the complex craniofacial surgery, which not only restored the boy’s facial structure but also his hope for a normal life.

“This milestone demonstrates not only our surgeons’ skill and determination, but also Kenya’s rising leadership in specialized healthcare. It is a message of hope to patients across Africa and beyond,” said KNH Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Richard Lesiyampe.

The patient, identified as 7-year-old Ian Baraka, is recovering in the Intensive Care Unit. Ian’s life was turned upside down on December 23, 2023, when armed bandits raided his village at the Isiolo-Meru border, and a stray bullet tore through his face, leaving him with life-altering injuries.

Leading the historic procedure were Prof. Symon Guthua (Lead Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon), Dr. Margaret Mwasha (Lead Prosthodontist), and Dr. Andrew Okiriamu.

In a touching twist, Dr. Branice Munyasha, a resident surgeon, ran two marathons to raise funds for Ian’s surgery, underscoring the personal sacrifices made to make the operation possible.

The surgery is being hailed as a global first—a beacon of African medical brilliance, proof that world-class healthcare innovation can thrive on the continent.

“KNH will continue to share updates on Ian’s recovery in due course, while respecting the privacy and well-being of his family,” the hospital announced in a statement released on Friday, September 26.

This isn’t the first time KNH has achieved a world-first. On May 6, this year, the hospital made medical history after successfully carrying out a groundbreaking surgery on 22-year-old software engineering student Moses Mwendwa, being the first in the world to perform a Transhumoral Targeted Sensory Reinnervation (TSR) procedure.

This is an innovative surgery designed for individuals with above-the-elbow (transhumoral) amputations. It involves rerouting the sensory nerves that once served the missing limb to new areas of the body, often the chest or upper arm.

By transferring these nerves to different skin regions, surgeons create new pathways for sensory input. When touched, these reinnervated skin areas send signals to the brain that are interpreted as coming from the missing limb.

This can help amputees “feel” sensations—like pressure or touch—from a prosthetic arm, making it more lifelike and intuitive to use.

TSR is especially significant for patients using advanced prosthetic limbs that are equipped with sensors. With this procedure, users can receive real-time feedback from their prosthetic, improving control, reducing phantom limb pain, and enhancing overall functionality.