Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has achieved a major medical milestone after successfully performing Kenya’s first-ever orbital-facial prosthesis procedure in a public hospital, offering new hope to patients living with severe facial defects.
The groundbreaking, life-changing surgery was carried out in January 2026 on 65-year-old John Munyiri, a farmer from Laikipia County who had been battling a rare and aggressive sinus cancer.
Munyiri’s fight for survival began in 2023 when doctors were forced to remove his left eye, part of his nose, and sections of his upper jaw to stop the cancer from spreading.
Although the complex surgery saved his life, it left him with significant facial disfigurement that deeply affected his confidence, speech, feeding, and overall quality of life.
Following months of rehabilitation and recovery, a team of specialists at KNH embarked on an ambitious plan to restore not just his appearance, but also his dignity.
Using advanced prosthetic technology, the doctors designed and fitted Munyiri with a custom-made, magnet-retained orbital-facial prosthesis.
The artificial device was carefully crafted to match his natural facial features, allowing it to blend seamlessly while remaining comfortable and secure.
According to the medical team, the prosthesis helps restore facial symmetry and function, enabling Munyiri to interact socially with greater confidence and return to normal daily activities.
KNH officials hailed the procedure as a landmark achievement for Kenya’s public healthcare system, noting that such specialized reconstructive services were previously only available abroad or in costly private facilities.
