Kenyatta National Hospital has successfully carried out Kenya’s first balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty on a premature newborn, saving the life of a twin delivered at 34 weeks with a life threatening heart defect. The milestone procedure marks a major step in the country’s ability to manage complex heart conditions in newborns within the public health system.
In a press statement dated February 24, 2026, the hospital said the intervention was performed on a baby born prematurely and diagnosed with a critical congenital heart condition shortly after delivery.
“A balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to open a narrowed pulmonary valve,” the statement said.
“During the procedure, doctors inserted a small tube (catheter) through a blood vessel and guided it to the heart, where a balloon was inflated to widen the valve and allow blood to flow more freely to the lungs.”
The baby, identified as Twin A, was born on January 24, 2026 to Josephine Pilanci from Kimana in Kajiado County. She had delivered premature twins at 34 weeks through an emergency Caesarean section at KNH.
According to the hospital, Twin A, “weighing 2.26kg, was diagnosed with critical pulmonary valve stenosis, a serious congenital heart condition that restricts blood flow from the heart to the lungs.” The second twin “is stable and doing well.”
Doctors said the baby began experiencing breathing problems soon after birth and required oxygen support. During examination, medics detected “an abnormal heart sound (murmur), prompting additional tests.”
“An echocardiogram later confirmed that the baby’s pulmonary valve was severely narrowed, placing dangerous strain on the heart and reducing oxygen supply to the body,” the hospital added.
After confirming the diagnosis, “a multidisciplinary team at KNH recommended an urgent procedure to open the narrowed valve and restore normal blood flow to the lungs.”
The delicate operation was conducted on February 5, 2026 and took about one and a half hours. It was led by “Dr Esther Kimani and Dr Naomi Gachara, Consultant Paediatric Cardiologists, together with Dr Tatiana Mutinda, a Paediatric Cardiology Fellow.”
“The anaesthesia team was led by Dr Mbithe and Dr Kimtai, while nursing services were coordinated by Erick Otieno, supported by Loice Musyoka, Miriam Kisato, Merline Mitei, and Lilian Kaziga,” the statement said.
A review carried out the following day showed marked improvement in circulation and stable blood pressure.
“The baby steadily improved, was gradually taken off oxygen, and by February 10, was breathing normally,” the hospital said. “Further tests confirmed continued progress. The infant is now stable, feeding well, and gaining strength under close monitoring by our doctors.”
Pilanci expressed relief and gratitude following the successful intervention. “I am grateful to God and to the doctors and nurses who never gave up on my baby,” she said.
KNH Acting Chief Executive Officer Richard Lesiyampe said the achievement reflects the hospital’s growing strength in handling high risk neonatal cases.
“The successful procedure reflects KNH’s commitment to strengthening specialized services and improving survival outcomes for critically ill newborns,” he said.
Lesiyampe added that the hospital remains focused on improving access to advanced treatment locally.
“KNH will continue investing in advanced technology, staff training, and multidisciplinary teamwork to ensure patients, especially the most vulnerable, have access to world-class care locally without the need to seek treatment abroad,” he stated.
Balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty is less invasive than open heart surgery and is commonly used to treat pulmonary valve stenosis in infants and children. Performing it on a premature baby weighing just over two kilogrammes required high level skill and coordination.
The hospital said the operation represents Kenya’s first successful balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty on a preterm newborn, highlighting progress in specialised cardiac services. For the medical team, the outcome signals expanding access to advanced neonatal heart care in public hospitals.
As the infant continues to recover under close supervision, the hospital said the milestone shows its resolve to deliver “world-class care locally” to the country’s most vulnerable patients.
