By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, 6 November 2025 - In a powerful display of humanitarian diplomacy, Kenya’s First Lady, H.E. Mama Rachel Ruto, and Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asmaa of Morocco launched a landmark Cochlear Implant Project at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) this week, giving new hope to children living with hearing impairments.
The initiative, jointly implemented by Kenya’s Ministry of Health and the Lalla Asmaa Foundation, marks a milestone in both medical cooperation and social inclusion.
Over 50 Kenyan children are expected to receive cochlear implants in the first phase, with surgeries conducted by a combined team of Moroccan and Kenyan ENT specialists between 3 November and 7 November 2025.
“This project restores more than hearing, it restores potential, learning, and connection,” said Mama Rachel Ruto, speaking at the launch event.
“These children will now be able to hear the voices of their parents, their teachers, and their dreams. We are grateful to our partners in Morocco for walking with us in this noble journey.”
Princess Lalla Asmaa, who also serves as President of the Lalla Asmaa Foundation for Deaf Children, emphasised the shared values driving the collaboration.
“This partnership goes beyond medical intervention, it’s a symbol of solidarity and compassion between Morocco and Kenya,” she said.
“Together, we can build societies where every child, regardless of ability, has the right to inclusion and opportunity.”
Health Diplomacy in Action
The KSh 120 million programme supports Kenya’s broader commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and reflects Morocco’s strong regional leadership in health cooperation.
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The two First Ladies highlighted that the initiative’s impact extends beyond surgery, it includes capacity-building for local surgeons, audiologists, and speech therapists, as well as follow-up care for beneficiaries.
Building a Future of Inclusion
The partnership also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Voice of Children Initiative in Kenya and the Lalla Asmaa Foundation, paving the way for joint research, technology transfer, and training programmes.
“This is not a one-off mission, it is the beginning of long-term collaboration,” said Dr Richard Lesiyampe CEO of Kenyatta National Hospital.
“Our teams will continue learning from Morocco’s expertise as we build Kenya’s own national cochlear implant programme.”
As the surgeries continue through the week, families across Kenya are already expressing gratitude.
For six-year-old Faith Chebet from Bomet, whose parents travelled overnight to Nairobi for the operation, it is a moment of joy.
“We have waited for years,” said her mother, “and now our daughter will finally hear our voices.”
The Kenya–Morocco partnership stands as a model of African solidarity, turning compassion into action, and silence into sound.
Kenya and Morocco Unite to Give Deaf Children the Gift of Hearing
Rachel Ruto and Lalla Asmaa Launch a Cochlear Implant Project
