Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) is preparing to make medical history with its facial reconstruction reconstruction surgery on a young patient who sustained life-altering injuries in a bandit attack.
Seven-year-old Ian Baraka was shot in the face in 2023, leaving him with severe injuries to his jaw and facial structure. After receiving emergency care and stabilization in the Intensive Care Unit, Ian has since undergone multiple interventions to aid his recovery.
The groundbreaking procedure, scheduled for September 25, 2025, will involve a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, anesthetists, and rehabilitation experts.
KNH Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Andrew Okiriamu explained that the complexity of Ian’s case stems from the bullet’s trajectory, which damaged both his lower and upper jaw, as well as his eyes.
“We first stabilised him in ICU, then performed surgery on his lower jaw. The upper jaw proved more challenging, but this upcoming procedure will address those issues using patient-specific implants designed to grow with him,” Dr. Okiriamu said.
The surgery will utilise advanced prosthetics and implants that can expand as Ian grows, ensuring natural jaw development and bone fusion. Beyond restoring facial structure and function, the team aims to achieve symmetry and improved quality of life.
KNH’s Senior Director for Medical Services, Joel Lessan, reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment:
“We are prepared to stay with this young man throughout his life, working to restore as much function as possible.”
