By Bett Njeri | Special Issue Writer
On a quiet Saturday afternoon in Nairobi’s Buruburu neighborhood, the corridors of Metropolitan Hospital carry not just the usual sounds of patients and caregivers—but the laughter of a child who, just days earlier, could barely smile.
That child is one of the growing number of beneficiaries of a transformative initiative by Metropolitan Hospital: free cleft lip and palate surgeries for families who would otherwise never afford them.
A Problem Hidden in Plain Sight
Cleft lip and palate are congenital deformities that occur when a baby’s lip or mouth doesn’t form properly during pregnancy. The condition is not just cosmetic—it affects eating, speech, breathing, and self-esteem. For many children, it also becomes a source of stigma, isolation, and bullying.
Yet despite how treatable it is through surgery, thousands of children in Kenya and across Africa go without care due to financial constraints or lack of access to specialized services.
Recognizing this gap, Dr. Kanyenje Gakombe, Chairman and CEO of Metropolitan Hospital, made a bold commitment: “No child should be denied a normal life because of something that can be corrected with a single surgery.”
A Lifeline for Vulnerable Families
Metropolitan Hospital now offers free cleft clinics , led by expert plastic surgeons. Patients are screened, counseled, and if eligible scheduled for surgery, all at no cost to them.
For mothers like Akinyi, whose son was born with a severe cleft palate, the program has been life-altering.
“We had visited multiple hospitals and were told the surgery would cost over KSh 100,000. I had lost hope,” she recalls. “Then someone told me about the cleft clinic at Metropolitan. My son had his surgery two weeks ago. He’s healing well—and he hasn’t stopped smiling since.”
Her story is not unique. Dozens of families are now accessing care they once thought was beyond reach. Some are referred by friends, others through community health workers, and a growing number thanks to word spreading on social media.
Beyond the Operating Room
The program is more than just surgical intervention. It represents a holistic approach—pre-operative assessments, speech therapy referrals, nutrition advice, and post-surgery support are all part of the package.
Behind the scenes, Metropolitan works with global non-profits such as Smile Train, leveraging technical training, surgical funding, and patient tracking tools. But the heart of the initiative remains firmly local.
“This is not charity it’s justice,” says Dr. Gakombe. “It’s our responsibility as healthcare providers to bridge these gaps.”
From Scar to Star
For the children who walk into the hospital with hidden smiles and leave with new beginnings, the difference is not just visible—it’s profound.
Brian, an 8-year-old from Kayole, had been shy, quiet, and rarely made eye contact. After his cleft repair, his mother says he now leads songs at church and has asked to join drama club at school. “He believes he can be on TV one day,” she laughs, “and now I believe it too.”
How to Access the Program
Metropolitan Hospital encourages families to reach out for consultations or referrals:
Location: Rabai Road, Buruburu Phase III, Nairobi
Contacts: 0709 148 000 / 0700 410 324 / 0722 207 665
Clinic Time: Saturdays, 1 PM – 3 PM
Website: www.metro-hospital.com
Walk-ins are accepted, but early booking is encouraged.
Gratitude That Echoes
As the program continues to expand, community voices are growing louder in their gratitude. Parents, faith leaders, and public health officials have all applauded the hospital’s leadership, especially the vision of Dr. Gakombe and his team.
For families like Akinyi’s and Brian’s, this isn’t just a medical interventio it’s a second chance at life.
Spread the Word
Do you know someone living with a cleft lip or palate? Share this story. One message could change a life.
For Metropolitan Hospital, healing is more than treatment—it’s about dignity, confidence, and the right to smile.
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