Kenya has taken a major step toward advancing inclusive healthcare with the launch of the Ksh120 million Cochlear Implant Programme at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), a partnership between the Office of the First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto, and Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asmaa of Morocco.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale stated on his official X account on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, the initiative donates 70 cochlear implants and reaffirms a shared commitment to improving access to specialised hearing care for children with disabilities.

“Joined Her Excellency the First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto, E.G.H. and Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asmaa of Morocco for the official launch of the Cochlear Implant Programme at Kenyatta National Hospital,” Duale stated.

He said the launch capped a week-long medical mission where Moroccan surgeons worked alongside Kenyan ENT specialists to successfully perform 25 cochlear implant surgeries out of a targeted 50, a strong example of South–South collaboration in healthcare.

“The launch capped a week-long medical mission in which Moroccan surgeons, working alongside Kenyan ENT specialists, successfully performed 25 cochlear implant surgeries out of a targeted 50, a strong example of South–South collaboration in healthcare,” he added.

Duale reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to ensuring hearing care remains part of Kenya’s broader Universal Health Coverage (UHC) strategy. “As a Ministry, we remain committed to strengthening ear and hearing care as part of Universal Health Coverage (UHC),” he said.

He announced that cochlear implant surgeries are now covered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) benefit package, with the implants already included in the Kenya Essential Medical Supplies List (2023) for Level 5 and 6 hospitals. Plans are underway to make them accessible through KEMSA.

“Through the AT Scale Project, we have also equipped over 25 health facilities with hearing devices and diagnostic equipment, restoring sound and dignity to many lives,” he said.

Duale commended the First Lady, Princess Lalla Asmaa, and the medical teams for their exemplary service to humanity, saying the collaboration symbolises a shared effort to give children a chance to hear, learn, and live better lives.