Stories from the Road: Kenyatta National Hospital

Bronson Wessinger, MD, on behalf of the Humanitarian Efforts Committee

Bronson Wessinger, MDThe Sikiza Society—Sikiza meaning “to listen” in Swahili—was founded in 2011 through a collaboration between Matthew L. Bush, MD, PhD, MBA, an otologist at the University of Kentucky, and John W. Ayugi, MBChB, MMed, an otologist at the University of Nairobi. An AAO-HNS Humanitarian Effort Initiative, the organization’s goal is to improve otologic education and expand access to advanced ear care in Kenya. Since its inception, the Sikiza Society has supported bilateral exchange, with Kenyan faculty and residents visiting Kentucky annually and U.S. teams traveling to Kenya twice a year for education, surgery, and capacity-building trips.

Location and Need

Kenyatta National Hospital, the teaching hospital located in Nairobi, Kenya, and affiliated with the University of Nairobi, hosts one of the few otolaryngology residency programs on the African continent. Serving a population of approximately seven million people, the hospital faces high demand, especially for the treatment of chronic ear disease—a common and often debilitating condition in the region.

To address limited OR access and growing patient need, Dr. Ayugi helped establish the Royal Eye and Ear Hospital in Nairobi’s Parklands neighborhood. This facility includes two dedicated operating rooms and serves as a hub for high-volume otologic surgery and training. Dr. Ayugi, one of only a handful of fellowship-trained neurotologists in Kenya, receives referrals for some of the country’s most complex pathologies. Whenever possible, particularly challenging cases are scheduled during Dr. Bush’s biannual visits, fostering clinical collaboration and advanced resident education on both sides.

Surgical Exchange and Shared Learning

In September 2025, our team operated alongside Dr. Ayugi and his colleagues at the Royal Eye and Ear Hospital. Each day began at 7 a.m., with residents from both programs gathering to review imaging, discuss surgical strategy, and finalize operative plans. These joint discussions not only highlighted regional variations in disease presentation but also showcased the problem-solving skills and adaptability of the University of Nairobi residents.

Surgery began around 8 a.m. in the two adjoining ORs, connected by a central foyer equipped with microscope video monitors. These screens enabled all team members to observe each case, creating a highly dynamic learning environment. With over 35 otolaryngology residents in the University of Nairobi program, primary surgical opportunities are more limited than in the United States, making these sessions a rare and valuable chance for hands-on experience.

Residents from the University of Nairobi and the University of Kentucky perform a revision canal wall down mastoidectomy on a patient with fibrous dysplasia and maximal conductive hearing loss.During the trip, my co-resident and I supported our Kenyan colleagues as fellow learners and peers. In one particularly memorable case, we managed a patient with severe fibrous dysplasia that had grossly distorted the middle ear anatomy. We collaborated closely, sharing strategies and adjusting our plan in real-time to ensure the safest outcome.

In addition to complex cases, we exchanged techniques for common surgical steps. I had the chance to demonstrate how I have been taught to identify and elevate the mastoid periosteum efficiently. At the same time, the Nairobi residents shared their preferred approach to meatoplasty—a method I hope to incorporate into my own practice moving forward.

Academic Exchange and Lasting Connections

Our final day featured a five-hour academic symposium attended by otolaryngology residents, junior trainees, and students from Kenya’s newly launched Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Program—the country’s first. We presented interesting cases from the U.S., shared surgical tips, and led interactive sessions on topics like tympanoplasty graft selection. The day concluded with Dr. Bush leading a mock oral boards session, during which I was deeply impressed by the Nairobi residents’ clinical acumen and depth of knowledge.

Reflections and Looking Ahead

Otology trainees and professors from the University of Kentucky ENT department and the University of Nairobi ENT and Audiology-SLP departments.This trip was a profound opportunity to care for patients with complex pathology rarely seen in the U.S., and to grow both technically and personally through shared learning. Most importantly, it deepened the relationships between our programs. The spirit of mutual respect and collaboration was evident in every interaction—from pre-op discussions to late-night debriefs.

We’ve already begun planning future exchanges, including upcoming visits to Kentucky by University of Nairobi residents. These enduring bonds—between colleagues, institutions, and cultures—are the true legacy of the Sikiza Society. I am grateful to have been part of this experience and optimistic about the continued impact this partnership will have on global ear care and education in the years ahead.

Program Details

Clinical Emphases:

• General Otolaryngology
• Laryngology
• Otology/Neurotology

Financial Aspects: Travel costs and living expenses are about $1,000 to $2,000 in total for a seven- to 10-day trip.

Language Skills: English

Global Region: Sub-Saharan Africa

Coordinator Contact Information

Lisa Gardner
Email: lisa.gardner@uky.edu
Phone: 859-257-5405
Address: 740 S. Limestone Third Floor, Wing C, Lexington, KY 40536
https://medicine.uky.edu/departments/ent