Free Reconstructive Surgery Camp Brings Hope to Over 100 Patients at Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital

 A major reconstructive and pediatric surgery camp at Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital has brought renewed hope to dozens of families across Trans Nzoia County, with more than 100 patients screened for life-changing operations.

Speaking on Monday evening, Board Chairman Professor Ferdinand Nang'ole praised the partnership between surgeons from Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, the University of Nairobi, and the Kenya Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons for helping deliver specialized surgeries to patients in the region.

The week-long medical camp, which began on Monday and runs until Friday, is focusing on pediatric and reconstructive procedures including cleft lip repairs, severe burns treatment, keloid removal, chronic wound management, and complex facial reconstruction surgeries.

“The surgeries focus heavily on pediatric conditions, severe burns, keloids, and chronic wound management. This partnership ensures that local residents, including those near Kitale, receive timely, life-changing surgical interventions without the need to travel to Nairobi,” said Prof. Nang’ole.

By Monday evening, nine successful surgeries had already been completed, giving hope to many more patients awaiting treatment.

Prof. Nang’ole noted that beyond the operations, the collaboration is also equipping local healthcare workers with advanced skills through specialized training for nurses and medical officers aimed at improving regional healthcare standards.

He said the camp demonstrates the impact of collaboration between visiting specialists and doctors from Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital, alongside healthcare professionals from other facilities across the county, in addressing long-standing surgical backlog cases.

Among the beneficiaries is Bramuel Simiyu, whose young son is set to undergo cleft lip surgery.

“I’m hopeful that my child’s ability to eat and speak freely will improve and reduce the social stigma we have experienced in the past,” he said.

The ongoing surgeries are expected to include advanced facial and craniofacial reconstruction procedures, with many patients describing the initiative as historic and transformative.

Prof. Nang’ole also thanked George Natembeya and the Trans Nzoia County Government for supporting the medical outreach program and creating a conducive environment for both local and visiting medical teams.

“We are grateful to His Excellency the Governor for his personal input that has seen the surgeries go on. We also thank the local community and promise that we will continue participating in more surgeries to restore hope to families,” he said.