Operation Smile Kenya

24/04/2026

Join us on 10th May 2026 for a powerful, uplifting day as we come together to run, walk, and stand for a cause that matters.

The Cleft Run 2026 brings all of us together- students, professionals, volunteers, families, and friends, in one shared mission: to raise awareness, restore smiles, and transform lives for children affected by cleft conditions.

📍 Starting point: KMTC Playground, off Ngong Road
🏃🏽‍♀️ Routes: 6 km or 10 km (both loop back to the starting point)

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or prefer a relaxed walk, you are warmly invited. Every step you take makes a difference.

Registration Fees
Students - KES 499
Professionals - KES 1,499

Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfTPeQeGjO1TMFxaJvd_vYaDx45Ymsiwl8D0XTgqeVYME8G4w/viewform?usp=header

🎽 Each registration comes with an official event T-shirt!

Collection details will be shared ahead of time, and you’ll also have the option to pick yours up on the morning of the run.

Your participation directly supports life-changing cleft surgeries and care.

Let’s turn miles into smiles.
Be part of the movement. Be part of the change🫵🏾🫶🏾

14/04/2026

As part of Operation Smile’s long-term strategy to build sustainable surgical capacity, the months of March and April have marked a significant period of growth in cleft care competency among our volunteers. Through hands-on clinical experience, volunteers have strengthened their skills within a multidisciplinary model that integrates all specialties involved in the care of patients affected by cleft conditions.

We extend our sincere gratitude to AIC Kijabe Hospital for their invaluable partnership in providing continuous care and dedicated mentorship throughout this journey.

19/03/2026

On March 14, 2026, Operation Smile Students Program Kenya successfully hosted a community outreach at Kibera Restoring Hope Centre. With 36 dedicated student volunteers, we educated around 350 children and over 100 community members on cleft awareness and oral health. Activities included dental screenings, engaging games, and a shared lunch, fostering a friendly atmosphere. Our partnerships with local universities and organizations greatly enhanced our impact, as many community members requested awareness materials. This initiative reflects our commitment to improving cleft awareness and health education in underserved communities. Together, we can make a difference!

05/03/2026

21/02/2026

What an incredible week at The Shoe4Africa Children's Hospital in MTRH Eldoret! We've witnessed amazing transformations in the lives of patients affected by cleft conditions through surgeries, nutrition support, speech therapy, dental care, and psychotherapy services.

A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated volunteers from Operation Smile, along with the passionate team at The Shoe4Africa Children’s Hospital at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Eldoret. Your commitment and care make a world of difference!
A special shoutout to our patient advocates who tirelessly work alongside our patients. Together, we're making dreams come true and changing lives for the better. Let’s keep the momentum going!

10/02/2026

Last week, some of our amazing volunteers and staff from our partner facilities participated in informative training sessions on life support, focusing on Basic Life Support (BLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

At Operation Smile, we continue to build the knowledge and skills of our teams and our partner facility staff to ensure better preparedness and quality care for the patients we serve. 💙

27/01/2026

27/01/2026

Last week, we hosted an educational training for nutritionists from over 10 Counties, especially from regions with a high number of cleft patients. The training focused on feeding techniques and nutritional management for patients with cleft conditions.

We were honored to receive support from our amazing volunteers:
👩‍⚕️ Dr. Mathew Karia, who covered cleft anatomy
👩‍⚕️ Ms. Lucy Wankuru, who shared how nutritionists and nurses can work together to prepare patients for surgery
🧠 Ms. Nancy Ngetha, our psychosocial provider, who addressed feeding anxiety, caregiver emotional support, mental health, and the importance of long-term follow-up

Among them were Ms. Mereciah Nguka, Mr. Jacob Wanyama, and our Nutrition Program Manager, Shuah Mugala, who also facilitated the training.

At Operation Smile, strengthening healthcare systems and promoting teamwork across specialties is central to ensuring every patient receives safe, high-quality, and holistic care.

Together, we are building stronger systems and safe quality care 💙

22/01/2026

Share widely.

19/01/2026

Through strong collaboration and a shared commitment to paediatric safety, the WFSA - World Federation Of Societies of Anaesthesiologists Safe Paediatrics Training brought together 31 anesthesia healthcare professionals from Mombasa, Lamu, Kwale, Kilifi, Nairobi and Taita Taveta counties, alongside participants from the Kenya Navy.

The training was delivered in partnership with the Kenya Society of Anaesthesiologists (KSA) and Society of Paediatric Anaesthesiologists of Kenya-SPAK and spanned three intensive days of hands-on learning, skills-building, and peer exchange focused on improving the safety and quality of paediatric anesthesia care.

This initiative forms part of Operation Smile mandate to strengthen health systems by equipping healthcare professionals with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to improve the quality of care offered in our facilities, particularly for children.

We are encouraged by the commitment, collaboration, and dedication demonstrated by all participants and partners as we continue to invest in sustainable capacity building and better patient outcomes.

19/12/2025

In September, Port Reitz Sub-County Hospital partnered with Operation Smile Kenya to conduct a five-day cleft lip and palate surgery short-term surgical program that brought together local and international specialists united by one mission: restoring hope.

Over thirty children and adults from across the country received free, life-changing surgeries—regaining their smiles, confidence, speech, and dignity.

We sincerely appreciate the support of the Department of Health Services - Mombasa County whose collaboration made this initiative possible.

This is the true meaning of compassionate healthcare, where every restored smile tells a story of hope and a brighter future.

09/12/2025

Operation Smile Kenya, in partnership with the of Health Services - Mombasa County , is conducting a Neonatal Resuscitation Refresher Training for healthcare professionals across the Coastal region—empowering those on the frontlines of newborn care to improve outcomes for every child.

This training strengthens essential skills in timely assessment, effective ventilation, and evidence-based resuscitation techniques, ensuring that every newborn has the best possible start to life.

We’re inspired by the commitment, collaboration, and passion shown by all participants as we work together to reduce preventable neonatal deaths and build stronger, more confident care teams. Investing in these skills is investing in healthier futures.