Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has made history once again by successfully performing Kenya’s first pediatric surgery for Birth Brachial Plexus Palsy (BBPP), a landmark procedure that signals major progress in the country’s specialized medical care.
This groundbreaking operation, previously only done on adults, now opens new possibilities for infants born with BBPP, a debilitating condition caused by nerve damage during childbirth.
The injury often results in partial or total loss of movement in one of the baby’s arms. Through intricate surgery, doctors can repair the damaged nerves and potentially restore the child’s arm function.
Dr. Ferdinand Nang’ole, a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon at KNH and the University of Nairobi, described the procedure as a major milestone for the hospital and the country.
“We are happy and excited because this is the first landmark surgery that we are doing as the plastic and reconstructive surgery unit,” Dr. Nang’ole said.
He urged parents, especially mothers, to pay close attention to their newborns’ arm movement.
“If a mother realises that the child is not able to move his or her hand well, because even small children will be able to move their hands. Then the first thing is they should do is take the child for examination by the medical team,” he advised.
Dr. Nang’ole pointed out that early detection and timely intervention are key to successful outcomes.
“And if for whatever reason we suspect that there’s a brachial plexus injury, then you refer them to Kenyatta National Hospital, where we can be able to evaluate them and in the plastic surgery Department and be able to Institute early management and in fact, our biggest problem is late presentation. The earlier the better,” he added.
This achievement further cements KNH’s reputation as a leader in specialized pediatric procedures. The hospital’s growing capacity to handle such delicate surgeries showcases its commitment to delivering advanced, inclusive care even for the youngest and most vulnerable patients.
For families dealing with BBPP, the success of this surgery offers a renewed sense of hope, promising brighter futures and improved quality of life for affected children.
Our Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery team successfully performed the first-ever paediatric Birth Brachial Plexus Palsy (BBPP) surgery at KNH.
BBPP is a nerve injury that happens during birth, causing weakness or loss of movement in a baby’s arm. pic.twitter.com/KWoxQzziIF
— Kenyatta National Hospital (@KNH_hospital) June 17, 2025
