Local ENT surgeons working alongside specialists from Morocco perform cochlear implant surgeries at KNH in November 2025. /KNHKenyatta National Hospital has successfully performed Kenya’s first balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (heart procedure) on a premature newborn, marking a significant milestone in neonatal cardiac care in the country.
The breakthrough procedure underscores KNH’s growing stature as a leader in advanced, high-risk medical interventions and specialised cardiac care in the region.
In a press statement on February 24, the hospital said the procedure was carried out on a preterm baby diagnosed with critical pulmonary valve stenosis, a serious congenital heart condition that restricts blood flow from the heart to the lungs.
The baby is one of premature twins delivered at 34 weeks on January 2, 2026, through an emergency Caesarean section at KNH.
The twin, weighing 2.26 kilogrammes, was diagnosed with the life-threatening heart defect shortly after birth. The second twin is stable and doing well.
“Soon after delivery, the affected twin developed breathing difficulties and required oxygen support. Further medical assessment revealed an abnormal heart sound, prompting additional investigations,” the hospital said.
An echocardiogram later confirmed severe narrowing of the pulmonary valve, placing dangerous strain on the heart and significantly reducing oxygen supply to the body.
Following the findings, a multidisciplinary team at the hospital recommended an urgent intervention to open the narrowed valve and restore normal blood flow to the lungs.
The procedure was performed on February 5, 2026, and lasted approximately one and a half hours.
The hospital said a follow-up assessment conducted the next day showed significant improvement in blood flow and stable blood pressure.
The baby steadily improved, was gradually weaned off oxygen, and by February 10, 2026, was breathing normally.
Further tests confirmed continued progress.
“The infant is now stable, feeding well and gaining strength under close monitoring,” the hospital said.
The mother expressed gratitude for the care her baby received, saying: “I am grateful to God and to the doctors and nurses who never gave up on my baby.”
How Balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty is conducted
Balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to open a narrowed pulmonary valve.
During the procedure, doctors insert a small tube, or catheter, through a blood vessel and guide it to the heart.
Guided by cameras, a balloon is then inflated to widen the valve and allow blood to flow more freely to the lungs.
The procedure was led by consultant paediatric cardiologists Dr Esther Kimani and Dr Naomi Gachara.
They were assisted by Dr Tatiana Mutinda, a paediatric cardiology fellow.
The anaesthesia team was led by Dr Mbithi and Dr Kimtai, while nursing services were coordinated by Erick Otieno, supported by Loice Musyoka, Miriam Kisato, Merline Mitei and Lilian Kasura.
The breakthrough positions KNH at the forefront of advanced neonatal cardiac interventions in the region and signals growing local capacity to manage complex congenital heart conditions in premature infants.
KNH’s acting chief executive officer Dr Richard Lesiyampe said the successful procedure reflects the hospital’s commitment to strengthening specialised services and improving survival outcomes for critically ill newborns.
He added that the institution will continue investing in advanced technology, staff training and multidisciplinary teamwork to ensure vulnerable patients can access world-class care locally without seeking treatment abroad.
In February, Kenyatta National Hospital successfully performed Kenya’s first orbital-facial prosthesis procedure in a public hospital.
In April 2025, the hospital also made history by performing the world’s first Transhumeral TSR surgery, which involved restoring sensation to the stump of an amputated arm of a 22-year-old software engineering student.
In November 2025, KNH doctors also opened a new chapter in Kenya’s medical history by giving children with hearing impairments a chance to hear for the first time after a team of local Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeons working alongside specialists from Morocco, performed the first Cochlear Implant surgeries in the country.
