Kenya Launches Cochlear Implant Programme To Advance Inclusive And Specialised Healthcare
First Lady Rachel Ruto with other guests at KNH yesterday. Photos/Courtesy
By MKT Correspondent
Kenya has taken a major step towards inclusive healthcare with the launch of the Cochlear Implant Programme at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH); a partnership between the Office of the First Lady, Rachel Ruto, and Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asmaa of the Kingdom of Morocco.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale joined the First Lady and Her Royal Highness for the launch, which marks a new milestone in expanding access to specialised hearing care for children with disabilities.
Valued at over KSh120 million, the initiative provides 70 cochlear implants and symbolises a shared commitment to improving paediatric hearing services and promoting inclusive healthcare across the country.
The launch concluded a week-long medical mission during which 25 children received cochlear implants, targeting 50 beneficiaries in total, through collaboration between Moroccan surgeons and Kenyan ENT specialists at KNH; a practical demonstration of South–South cooperation in healthcare.
CS Duale reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening ear and hearing care as a key pillar of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He noted that cochlear implant surgeries are now covered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) benefit package, costed at KSh358,400, protecting families from catastrophic medical expenses.
Cochlear implants have also been included in the Kenya Essential Medical Supplies List (2023) for Level 5 and 6 hospitals, with ongoing efforts to make them accessible through KEMSA.
In addition, through the AT Scale Project, the Ministry has distributed hearing devices and diagnostic equipment to more than 25 health facilities nationwide — restoring hearing and transforming lives.
The event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Kenya and the Kingdom of Morocco, deepening collaboration between the Kenya Voice of Children Foundation and the Princess Lalla Asmaa Foundation.
Hosted by KNH CEO Dr Richard Lesiyampe and Board Chair Dr Abbas Gullet, the ceremony was attended by Abderrazzak Laassel (Ambassador of Morocco), Ms Naima Ben Yahia (Morocco’s Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family), Cabinet Secretary for Gender Ms Cheptumo Wendot, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga, and Nairobi County Deputy Governor Mr James Muchiri.
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