Kenya’s largest public referral hospital has quietly made medical history, and it matters more than it sounds.
On January 17, 2026, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) became the first public health facility in Kenya to successfully perform Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy, an advanced, minimally invasive treatment for enlarged prostate, a condition that affects thousands of ageing men but is rarely discussed openly.
What is it?
Rezūm therapy is a modern treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that causes painful and disruptive urinary problems. Instead of open surgery or lifelong medication, Rezūm uses sterile water vapour (steam) to shrink excess prostate tissue. The body then absorbs the treated tissue naturally, relieving blockage and restoring urine flow.
The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes, is done under sedation rather than full anaesthesia, and allows the patient to go home the same day.
KNH’s first patient, a 55-year-old man, underwent the procedure without complications — marking a turning point in what is now available to ordinary Kenyans who depend on public hospitals.
What does it mean?
Until now, Rezūm therapy has largely been the preserve of private hospitals, often costing patients far beyond the reach of most households. Its arrival at KNH signals a shift: cutting-edge care is no longer exclusive to those who can pay premium fees.
Unlike traditional prostate surgery (TURP), Rezūm carries a very low risk of sexual side effects, including retrograde ejaculation — a major concern for many men. It also avoids permanent implants and general anaesthesia, making it safer for patients with other health conditions.
Clinical evidence shows symptom improvement within two to six weeks, with maximum benefit after three months and results that can last five years or more.
Why now?
Prostate enlargement is becoming more common as Kenya’s population ages, yet public awareness and treatment options have lagged behind. Long waiting lists, fear of surgery and stigma have kept many men silent — and suffering.
By introducing Rezūm therapy, KNH is responding to a growing, under-addressed public health need while signalling that innovation can thrive even within a strained public system.
The procedure was led by Dr D. K. Kimani, Senior Urologist at KNH and Honorary Lecturer at the University of Nairobi, supported by a multidisciplinary team of anaesthesiologists, registrars, nurses and theatre staff — a reminder that progress is built on systems, not individuals.
Rezūm has been widely used in Europe and the United States for years. Its arrival in Kenya’s public sector is not just a medical first — it is a statement of intent.
