College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA) during a Laparoscopy surgery training at Kiambu level 5 hospital 80 surgery doctors from 12 counties as well as the Kenya Defence Forces were trained
Kiambu Level 5 Hospital is strengthening its position as a regional centre for advanced surgical training following a partnership between the Kiambu County Government and the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA).
The partnership saw 80 resident doctors from 12 counties and the Kenya Defence Forces undergo training in laparoscopic surgery during a two-day workshop held at the hospital. The programme included classroom sessions, practical demonstrations and live surgeries, allowing doctors to gain hands-on experience in the modern surgical technique.
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small incisions, a camera and specialised instruments to perform operations. The method causes less pain, reduces blood loss and enables patients to recover faster, with most spending less time in hospital.
While launching the training, Kiambu County Executive Committee Member for Health Services Dr. Elias Maina said the county’s continued investment in modern technology has transformed the hospital into a preferred training centre.
“Kiambu County continues to invest in modern medical technology, and this has positioned Kiambu Level 5 Hospital as a preferred training centre for surgeons from across the region,” said Dr. Maina.
Chief Officer for Health Services Dr. Patrick Nyaga noted that the hospital has kept pace with changes in surgical care, significantly improving service delivery.
“Since the installation of the laparoscopy machine, we have treated over 200 patients locally, significantly reducing referrals outside the county,” said Dr. Nyaga.
The training attracted doctors from within and outside Kenya. Dr. Corazone Deya from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital said the programme had strengthened her professional capacity.
“The training has equipped me with new skills and better ways of managing surgical patients, which I will apply back at my hospital,” she said.
A Rwandan doctor training at Tenwek Hospital in Bomet County, Dr. George Gasana, described the workshop as transformative.
“The experience in Kiambu has strengthened my understanding of laparoscopy and boosted my confidence in using the technology to treat patients,” he said.
COSECSA President Dr. Njane praised Kiambu County for its collaboration with the college, saying such partnerships are vital for improving healthcare in the region.
“Working closely with counties like Kiambu helps improve the quality of surgical training and strengthens healthcare systems across the region,” he said.
Patients also benefited directly from the live surgeries conducted during the training. Samson Kuria, one of the patients treated at the facility, said he was pleasantly surprised by the level of care available at the hospital.
“I did not expect to find such modern surgical services so close to home,” he said.
There were emotional moments at the hospital as families waited for their loved ones to come out of theatre. One mother whose child underwent laparoscopic surgery expressed relief after a successful procedure.
“Seeing my son come out of theatre in a stable condition brought me great relief and happiness,” she said.
For many residents, the advanced services at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital are improving access to quality, affordable healthcare while positioning the facility as a key training centre for modern surgery in the region.
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