In a remarkable act of humanitarian partnership, Kenya’s First Lady, H.E. Mama Rachel Ruto, together with Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asmaa of Morocco, unveiled a major Cochlear Implant Initiative at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). The project brings renewed hope to children who have been living with hearing challenges.
The programme, carried out in collaboration between Kenya’s Ministry of Health and the Lalla Asmaa Foundation, represents a huge step forward in medical cooperation and social inclusion between the two nations.
During the first phase, more than 50 Kenyan children are expected to receive cochlear implants. The surgeries are being handled by a joint medical team of Kenyan and Moroccan ENT specialists from 3 November to 7 November 2025.
“This initiative gives back more than hearing, it gives back opportunity, education, and connection,” Mama Rachel Ruto said at the opening.
“These children will finally hear the voices of their families, their teachers, and their dreams. We deeply appreciate our Moroccan partners for joining us on this meaningful journey.”
Princess Lalla Asmaa, who heads the Lalla Asmaa Foundation for Deaf Children, highlighted the spirit of unity behind the collaboration.
“This partnership is not just about surgery, it reflects kindness, solidarity, and shared values between Morocco and Kenya,” she stated.
“Every child deserves inclusion, dignity, and a chance to build a bright future.”Valued at KSh 120 million, the project supports Kenya’s mission toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and demonstrates Morocco’s leadership in regional medical collaboration.
The two First Ladies also pointed out that the programme will not end with surgery alone. It will involve training Kenyan surgeons, speech therapists, and audiologists to ensure children continue to receive proper support afterward.
As part of the partnership, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Kenya’s Voice of Children Initiative and the Lalla Asmaa Foundation.
This agreement will lead to shared research, knowledge exchange, and technology transfer.
“This is not just a one-time mission, it marks the beginning of a long-term working relationship,” said Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, CEO of Kenyatta National Hospital.
“Our medical teams will gain valuable experience from Morocco as we build Kenya’s national cochlear implant programme.”
Families from across the country are expressing joy as surgeries continue.
For six-year-old Faith Chebet from Bomet, whose family traveled through the night to get to Nairobi, it is a life-changing moment.
“We have been waiting for this for years,” her mother said quietly. “Now our daughter will hear our voices.”
The Kenya–Morocco alliance is a shining example of African unity, not just talking about change, but making it happen, turning silence into sound and giving children back their voices.
