Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has made global medical history after successfully performing two groundbreaking nerve-reconstruction surgeries, placing Kenya among countries advancing specialised treatment for patients living with limb loss.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, KNH announced that one of the procedures involved the world’s youngest known recipient of Targeted Sensory Reinnervation (TSR), while the second involved the third patient globally to undergo the transhumeral variant of the procedure.
The two operations were conducted on October 29 and 30, 2026, involving a four-year-old boy and a 43-year-old man who had lost limbs following traumatic accidents.
Targeted Sensory Reinnervation (TSR) is a specialised surgical procedure that redirects sensory nerves to enable patients to potentially experience sensations such as pressure, vibration, heat and cold through appropriately integrated prosthetic limbs.
The procedure can also help address complications associated with amputation, including painful neuromas and phantom limb sensations.
The first operation involved Jeremy, a four-year-old boy from Kirinyaga County, who lost his left hand in a chaff-cutter accident while playing with another child.
Following an unsuccessful attempt to reattach the hand and subsequent amputation, Jeremy was identified as a suitable candidate for the procedure.
The five-and-a-half-hour surgery was performed on October 29 under the leadership of KNH Head of Specialized Surgery, Dr Benjamin Wabwire, alongside Italian Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Prof. Alexander Gardetto.
The second procedure involved Charles Mogire, a 43-year-old painter from Ngong, who lost his left arm at the shoulder and his dominant right arm above the elbow following a severe electrical accident in November 2025.
After undergoing emergency treatment, skin grafting and follow-up care at KNH, Mogire underwent a five-hour transhumeral TSR procedure on October 30.
The operation was performed by Prof. Gardetto, assisted by Dr Christine Nyabuto, Dr Mercy Kamadi and Dr Lenah Kerubo, under the oversight of Prof. Ferdinand Nang’ole.
KNH noted that Mogire’s operation was shorter than the first procedure, which lasted slightly over seven hours globally.
Both surgeries were fully covered by the Social Health Authority (SHA), allowing the patients to access the specialised interventions without incurring out-of-pocket expenses.
Following surgery, the two patients received post-operative care and clinical monitoring under the supervision of Prof. Ferdinand Nang’ole of KNH and the University of Nairobi.
The hospital confirmed that both patients had been discharged and were recovering at home, with continued clinical follow-up and rehabilitation.
Dr Wabwire described the procedures as a significant milestone in microsurgery, noting that redirecting sensory nerves was opening new possibilities for patients living with limb loss.
KNH Director of Clinical Services Dr Joel Lessan said the achievement demonstrated the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork, international collaboration and investment in medical innovation.
Meanwhile, KNH Chief Executive Officer Dr Richard Lesiyampe said the milestone reaffirmed the hospital’s position as a leading referral and teaching institution capable of delivering complex, world-class specialised procedures locally.
“These procedures demonstrate that complex and highly specialized treatments can be successfully undertaken in Kenya. Through investment in specialist skills, infrastructure, technology, research and strategic partnerships, KNH continues to expand access to innovative healthcare while restoring hope, dignity and quality of life,” said Dr Lesiyampe.
The initiative is in its second year at KNH and continues to benefit from Prof. Gardetto’s mentorship and knowledge transfer, strengthening local expertise in the specialised field.
For the families, the successful procedures have brought renewed hope.
Jeremy’s mother, Mercy Muthoni, expressed gratitude to KNH for the specialised care and support extended to her son, while Charles and his wife, Beatrice Moraa, described the surgery as a turning point for their family.
Charles remains hopeful that with appropriate prosthetic support, he will regain sensation, achieve greater independence and eventually return to painting.
The achievement marks another significant step in Kenya’s efforts to expand access to advanced medical procedures locally, reducing the need for patients to seek highly specialised treatment abroad.
