First Lady Rachel Ruto and Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asmaa have jointly launched the Cochlear Hearing Implant Partnership at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), marking a transformative step in restoring hearing and hope to Kenyan children living with hearing impairments.
The two leaders witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Voice of the Children Initiative—domiciled in the Office of the First Lady—and the Princess Lalla Asmaa Foundation.
Through this partnership, 100 cochlear implant surgeries will be conducted—70 this week in Kenya and the remaining 30 in February next year in Morocco.
Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Ruto expressed profound gratitude to the Moroccan royal family for the generous donation of cochlear implants valued at over KSh120 million.
“Your Royal Highness, we are deeply grateful. Your gift of cochlear implants worth over KSh120 million is not only a contribution to Kenya’s healthcare system; it is a gift of life and sound. It restores not just hearing, but dignity and hope, allowing children to experience laughter, music, and their loved ones’ voices for the very first time,” she said.
Each implant, valued at approximately KSh4 million per patient, will benefit dozens of children aged between one and ten years.
The First Lady further noted that under the Social Health Authority (SHA), the cost of the procedures—including post-surgery therapy—will be fully covered, easing the financial burden on families.
“I am happy to note that under SHA, the cost of these procedures will be covered in full, including post-surgery therapy, removing the financial burden that has for too long silenced possibility,” she added.
Mrs. Ruto described the partnership as a testament to the enduring friendship between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Kenya.
“We are laying a foundation not only for surgeries, but for health systems strengthening and a future where every Kenyan child can hear and be heard,” she said.
The President of the Princess Lalla Asmaa Foundation, Mr. Karim Essakalli, noted that the Foundation is involved in similar noble initiatives across Africa. He said Princess Lalla Asmaa is deeply committed to the partnership with the First Lady in bringing smiles and renewed hope to Kenyan children.
Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale hailed the donation as a major milestone in Kenya’s journey toward inclusive healthcare.
“By donating 70 cochlear implants, our Moroccan friends have given Kenyan families the precious gift of hearing—restoring connections to loved ones, the classroom, and society itself,” he said.
He added that the Ministry of Health is committed to strengthening ear and hearing care as a vital pillar of Universal Health Coverage.
“This programme aligns with our National Ear and Hearing Care Strategic Plan to improve access to screening, surgical intervention, and lifelong rehabilitation in public hospitals,” he noted.
Each of the intricate surgeries is covered under the Social Health Authority benefit package at KSh358,400, with all beneficiaries registered under SHA—shielding families from catastrophic health expenses and reinforcing the government’s commitment to accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga expressed heartfelt appreciation, saying the initiative will reconnect children with their families through the gift of hearing and speech.
KNH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Richard Lesiyampe said top medical specialists from Kenya and Morocco are collaborating at Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital to ensure the success of the procedures.
Also present were Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, Arts and Heritage Hannah Cheptumo, Nairobi County Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri, and Morocco’s Ambassador to Kenya Abderrazak Laasel, among other dignitaries.
The partnership stands as a powerful symbol of compassion, cooperation, and shared commitment to giving every child the opportunity not only to hear—but to be heard.
