Amputee feels missing hand again after groundbreaking surgery at Kenyatta National Hospital

A young student who lost his hand in a tragic accident is now experiencing the sensation of his missing limb after undergoing a unique surgical procedure at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), bringing new hope to his life and to others facing similar challenges.

Moses Mwendwa, a 22-year-old software engineering student, had his left hand amputated above the elbow in January following a fall that led to a serious condition known as compartment syndrome.

The accident changed his life, leaving him to contend not only with physical pain but also with emotional and psychological distress caused by the sensation that his missing hand was still present.

“I used to feel pain in the amputated limb, which made me think it was still there. Sometimes I would feel like touching it, but it wasn’t there,” Mwendwa said.

The pain, caused by what doctors refer to as a phantom limb, was not only persistent but also deeply unsettling. He struggled with the idea that the part of his body he had lost continued to send signals to his brain, making it feel real.

After months of recovery, Mwendwa was given the opportunity to participate in a historic medical procedure that would change his experience entirely.

KNH invited him to take part in a surgical camp held between April 28 and May 2, during which a team of specialists performed an advanced operation known as Transhumeral Targeted Sensory Reinnervation (TSR).

The procedure, which lasted over seven hours, brought together a multidisciplinary team of plastic, orthopaedic, and reconstructive surgeons.

Through TSR, the surgeons were able to redirect nerves from his severed arm to the remaining skin. This created a new “sensory map” in his brain that now allows him to feel sensations such as touch, temperature, and pain as though they originate from the missing hand.

“Feeling my missing hand again after believing it was gone forever is not just medicine—it’s magic,” Mwendwa told journalists.

The surgery marked the first time he had felt any real connection to his missing limb since the amputation, making it an incredibly emotional moment.

The return of sensation also helped alleviate the phantom pain that had plagued him daily.

“This achievement is not just a medical breakthrough but a restoration of dignity, function, and hope,” said Dr Benjamin Wabwire, Head of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at KNH.

“By creating this neural hand map, we are not just restoring sensation but enabling improved prosthetic control and pain management—fundamentally transforming what is possible for amputees through plastic and reconstructive surgery,” he explained.

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KNH officials described the operation as the first of its kind in the country and a major milestone in surgical care in Kenya.

Dr Kennedy Odede, Director of Surgical Services, praised the team and said this kind of innovation demonstrates Kenya’s capacity to achieve global standards in healthcare.

“This achievement shows that world-class innovations can and do happen in Kenya,” he said.

KNH Chief Executive Officer Dr Evanson Kamuri also commended the surgical team, calling the operation a testament to the hospital’s commitment to excellence in medical care and advanced technology.

“This achievement reaffirms our commitment to strategic partnerships and demonstrates that at KNH, we are home to world-class medical professionals and cutting-edge technology,” he said.

For Mwendwa, the surgery has brought not only physical relief but also a renewed sense of control and healing that he had long missed since the accident.