Woman, 19, gives birth to conjoined twins in Kisii

A 19-year-old woman has given birth to conjoined twins.

The twins were born at Lenmek Hospital in Ogembo on Monday.

Lead doctor Evans Monda said the twins are joined from the chest down to the abdomen.

An initial assessment showed many of their organs are sound.

They would, however, need to be referred to an advanced health facility for separation.

The babies were born after an hour-long Caesarian section.

The mother, Lilian Moraa, checked in to the hospital at 11pm after referral from Ogembo Level 4 Hospital.

She hails from Kiong'ongi area in Itumbe, Bobasi.

She termed the birth, her first, surprising.

She said she had experienced labour pains at 6pm on Sunday.

She was rushed to Ogembo Level 4 hospital before she was referred to Lenmek, a private health facility nearby owing to initial complications.

Dr Monda said it was the first birth of the nature at the facility.

"Such cases are not common..." he told the Star at the facility on Tuesday.

Separation of conjoined twins is often a demanding undertaking that requires careful and detailed planning, as well as integration of many specialists.