KAPS was formed in November 1991 by seven pioneer Paediatric surgeons in kenya under the leadership of Professor Julius Kyambi.The primary goal of KAPS is to enhance the health and well-being of children across Kenya by advancing the field of pediatric surgery through education, research, advocacy, and professional collaboration.
The mission of the Kenya Association of Pediatric Surgeons is to provide high-quality surgical care for children in Kenya by fostering excellence in pediatric surgery practice, promoting continuous medical education, supporting research initiatives, and advocating for the needs of pediatric patients. The Association is committed to building a strong network of pediatric surgeons and allied healthcare professionals who work together to improve surgical outcomes for children nationwide.
The vision of the Kenya Association of Pediatric Surgeons is to be a leading organization in Africa dedicated to ensuring that every child in Kenya has access to safe, timely, and effective surgical care, regardless of their socioeconomic background. We aspire to set the standard for pediatric surgical care and to be at the forefront of innovations in pediatric surgery that contribute to the health and well-being of children across the continent.
The vision of KAPS is to be a leading organization in Africa dedicated to ensuring that every child in Kenya has access to safe, timely, and effective surgical care, regardless of their socioeconomic background. KAPS aspires to set the standard for pediatric surgical care and to be at the forefront of innovations in pediatric surgery that contribute to the health and well-being of children across the continent.
The Kenya Association of Pediatric Surgeons (KAPS) has been committed to advancing pediatric surgical care in Kenya by addressing disparities in healthcare access, promoting professional development, and fostering collaboration among pediatric surgeons . Over the past several years, KAPS has organized and conducted numerous surgical camps in underserved regions of Kenya that lack access to specialized pediatric surgical care. These camps have been pivotal in providing life-saving surgeries to children who would otherwise go without treatment due to the absence of local pediatric surgeons. The camps were held in various counties including Mombasa, Kilifi, kitui, Kisumu,Meru,Nyahururu,Nakuru ,Kakamega and Vihiga where the need for specialized surgical care is most critical. The association has not been able to visit the more remote areas of Kenya such as Mandera and Marsabit due to difficult logistics and expenses related to transportation. Over 1,500 children have benefited from surgical interventions during these camps, addressing conditions ranging from congenital anomalies to trauma-related injuries. These camps were made possible through collaboration with local healthcare facilities, volunteer surgeons, anesthetists, and nurses, ensuring comprehensive care for the patients.
KAPS has played a crucial role in the mentorship and training of pediatric surgical residents, with a special focus on the programs at the University of Nairobi and other fellowship centers across Kenya. KAPS members have been actively involved in the hands-on training and supervision of pediatric surgical residents, enhancing their clinical skills and preparing them for independent practice. Senior KAPS members have provided mentorship to junior surgeons, guiding them in research, clinical practice, and professional development.
KAPS has successfully organized annual surgical conferences, serving as a platform for knowledge exchange, professional networking, and the dissemination of the latest advances in pediatric surgery. The conferences have focused on various themes including innovations in pediatric surgery, improving surgical outcomes, and addressing the challenges in pediatric healthcare delivery. These conferences have attracted pediatric surgeons, general surgeons, anesthetists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals from across Kenya and the East African region.
Recognizing the importance of staying current with global surgical trends, KAPS has organized numerous training workshops focusing on newer and emerging areas in pediatric surgery. Topics have included minimally invasive surgery, neonatal surgery, pediatric urology, and advanced trauma care. Workshops were led by both local and international experts, providing participants with high-quality training and exposure to new techniques and technologies. The workshops received positive feedback, with participants appreciating the practical skills gained and the opportunity to enhance their clinical competencies.
KAPS has been actively involved in organizing Continuous Medical Education (CME) sessions to ensure that pediatric surgeons and other healthcare professionals remain updated on the latest developments in the field. These sessions were accredited by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Council, allowing participants to earn the required points for their professional re-certification.KAPS has made efforts to ensure that CME sessions are accessible to surgeons in both urban and rural areas, often utilizing online platforms to reach a wider audience.
Moving forward, KAPS remains committed to its mission of ensuring that every child in Kenya has access to safe and effective surgical care. surgical.To this end KAPS has the following future planned activities;
1.Expansion of Surgical Camps by increasing the number of surgical camps held annually, targeting more underserved and remote regions of Kenya where access to pediatric surgical care is limited. The next camp will be held in Garissa County from September 30th, 2024, to October 2nd, 2024.KAPS will also establish long-term partnerships with local healthcare facilities, non-governmental organizations, and international medical missions to ensure the sustainability of these camps. In addition, the scope of the surgical camps will be expanded to include pre- and post-operative care, ensuring a holistic approach to patient management and better long-term outcomes.
2.Enhanced Training Programs. This will be achieved by collaborating with international institutions to create advanced fellowship programs in sub-specialties of pediatric surgery to further develop the skills of Kenyan Pediatric surgeons.KAPS plans to introduce and expand simulation-based training modules for pediatric surgical residents and fellows, allowing them to practice complex procedures in a controlled environment before performing them on patients.
3 Strengthening Mentorship by developing structured mentorship programs pairing experienced pediatric surgeons with junior surgeons and residents, focusing on both clinical skills and professional development. Encourage and support young surgeons in conducting research by providing mentorship, resources, and opportunities to present their findings at national and international conferences.
Continuous Medical Education (CME) Initiatives through establishing regional CME hubs, Developing and implementing e-learning platforms to make continuous learning more accessible and convenient for busy practitioners, focusing on emerging areas such as telemedicine in surgical care, genetic counseling for surgical conditions, and the impact of artificial intelligence in surgical planning and outcomes, and promoting interdisciplinary CME sessions that include pediatricians, anesthetists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals involved in pediatric surgical care in Kenya, to foster a collaborative approach to patient management.
Launch public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the importance of early diagnosis and timely surgical interventions for children with congenital anomalies and other surgical conditions. KAPS will also advocate for policies that support the funding and development of pediatric surgical services in Kenya, including the integration of pediatric surgery into national health insurance schemes. The local communities and leaders will be engaged to address cultural beliefs and misconceptions that may hinder access to surgical care for children, promoting a better understanding of pediatric surgical needs.
Encourage and support research collaborations with local and international institutions to advance pediatric surgical knowledge and practice in Kenya.
