Kenyatta National Hospital has made history with world’s first Transhumeral TSR surgery, which involves restoring sensation to the stump of an amputated left arm.
The medical procedure was successfully done on a 22-year-old software engineering student, Moses Mwendwa, on April 29, 2025.
“We have performed the World’s First Transhumeral Targeted Sensory Reinnervation (TSR) surgery on Moses Mwendwa, 22, restoring sensation in his missing left hand! This groundbreaking 7-hour procedure reroutes nerves to create a ‘sensory map,’ enabling touch perception and better prosthetic control,” KNH said in a statement.
Mwendwa lost his arm due to compartment syndrome after a fall on the stairs in January, but regained hope at KNH’s pioneering TSR Camp-Africa’s first.
The camp, which took place between April 28 and May 2, culminated in the successful surgery that was conducted on April 29.
"Feeling my hand again is magic,” Mwendwa said at a press briefing.
The procedure was performed by Prof. Ferdinand Nang'ole (Consultant Plastic Surgeon, KNH/UoN), Dr Benjamin Wabwire (Head of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, KNH) and Prof Alexander Gardetto (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Specialist, Italy).
They were supported by Dr Dorsi Jowi, consultant plastic surgeon at KNH; Dr Christine Nyabuto, chief resident in plastic surgery at the University of Nairobi; and Dr Rachel Machiya, a resident orthopaedic surgeon also from UoN.
Wabwire said the achievement is not just a medical breakthrough, but a restoration of dignity, function, and hope.
“By creating this neural hand map, we're changing what's possible for amputees,” he stated.
KNH CEO Dr Evanson Kamuri lauded the medical team’s achievement.
“This reaffirms our commitment to strategic partnerships and demonstrates that KNH is home to world-class professionals and cutting-edge technology,” Kamuri stated.
KNH said Mwendwa fell after a church service in Nairobi’s Ziwani area, leading to a dangerous condition caused by increased pressure in muscle compartments.
"After inconclusive diagnoses at two facilities, he was rushed to KNH, where doctors conducted emergency surgeries that ultimately led to the amputation of his dominant arm on January 24. The emotional toll was immense, with weeks of grief and adjustment for both Moses and his family," KNH stated.
