13/01/2026
Tophill Hospital Performs Life-Saving Brain Tumour Surgery for Mombasa Woman, Showcases Kenya’s Growing Medical Expertise
Tophill Hospital in Eldoret has successfully performed a highly complex, life-saving brain tumour surgery on a Mombasa woman, reinforcing Kenya’s growing capacity to handle advanced neurological cases that were previously referred abroad.
The patient, Zipporah Mbuvi, has made a remarkable recovery following the intricate procedure led by Tophill Hospital CEO and Lead Neurosurgeon Dr Florentius Koech. Her case is being hailed as a major milestone in local specialised healthcare and a testament to the expanding expertise of Kenyan medical professionals.
Ms Mbuvi’s medical journey spans several years and was marked by uncertainty, misdiagnosis and despair. Her husband, Jonas Mwanzia Mwambi, recounted how it took nearly four years for doctors to establish what was afflicting his wife.
“At first, we thought it was an eye problem because she had serious vision challenges,” Mwambi said. “When she started losing vision in one eye, we went to South Coast Hospital in Mombasa for an eye consultation.”
It was during that visit that doctors suspected a neurological problem and referred her to a neurologist, who recommended an MRI scan. The scan confirmed the presence of a brain tumour that had likely been developing for years.
According to Mwambi, the diagnosis came with devastating news.
“The neurologist told us the operation was extremely complicated and advised us to look for a surgeon abroad, possibly in India, because it could not be done in Kenya,” he said.
The prospect of overseas treatment proved overwhelming. The cost of surgery, travel, accommodation and post-operative care ran into millions of shillings—far beyond the family’s means.
“We were not working, and raising that kind of money was impossible,” Mwambi said.
Hope came unexpectedly when the family was referred to Tophill Hospital in Eldoret by a former patient. Mwambi said his first interaction with Dr Koech, even before meeting him physically, restored their faith.
“I called him and told him my wife was on her way to death. I asked if I could bring her for surgery,” Mwambi recalled. “He told me, ‘come, we will do the operation.’ When I said we didn’t have money, he told me, ‘let us save the patient first, the money later.’ That is when I knew he was an extraordinary doctor.”
Confirming the account, Dr Koech said Ms Mbuvi’s case was among the most complex surgeries the hospital had undertaken.
“She had been referred from Mombasa after several hospitals declined to operate due to the complexity,” Dr Koech said. “She was even advised to seek treatment in India. When she came to us, we assessed her and confirmed it was indeed a very complicated brain tumour, especially because of its location.”
Dr Koech added that the challenge was compounded by multiple underlying health conditions.
“She is diabetic, hypertensive and obese. These comorbidities significantly increase surgical and post-operative risks,” he said.
Despite the risks, the surgical team decided to proceed. The operation, which lasted approximately 13 hours, required a highly coordinated multidisciplinary team and advanced neurosurgical expertise.
“The surgery itself was successful, but the post-operative period was very challenging,” Dr Koech said. “She developed several complications and had to be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.”
Ms Mbuvi spent nearly a month in ICU, during which her condition fluctuated, requiring round-the-clock critical care.
“There were moments when she deteriorated, but slowly she stabilised,” Dr Koech said. “It was a demanding journey, but today she has fully recovered and gone back home.”
Following weeks of intensive monitoring and rehabilitation, Ms Mbuvi regained her strength. She can now walk, eat and speak independently, and the chronic headaches that once left her incapacitated are gone.
“She flew back to Mombasa this morning, very happy,” Dr Koech said. “Seeing her leave the hospital alive and smiling is the greatest reward for our team.”
Ms Mbuvi expressed gratitude to the medical team for saving her life.
“I used to suffer severe headaches that made me fall and lose balance. I could not walk alone,” she said. “Now I feel well and pain-free. I thank Dr Koech and his team for saving my life. May God bless them.”
Her husband echoed the sentiments, praising the hospital’s professionalism and compassion.
“The services at Tophill Hospital are top-notch,” Mwambi said. “Anyone who has been told to seek treatment abroad for a brain tumour should consider Dr Koech first. These complex procedures can be done here in Kenya at a fraction of the cost, and with excellent care.”
Dr Koech said the case demonstrates that many Kenyans referred overseas for treatment could be managed locally if adequate investment is made in skills, equipment and specialist training.
“This success shows that Kenya has the capacity to handle even the most complex neurosurgical cases,” he said. “We must believe in our local expertise and continue strengthening our healthcare systems.”
