Machakos Doctors Performing an historical first-ever laser ablation procedure for varicose veins in a county hospital. Photo by Governor's Press. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Machakos County has etched its name into the country’s medical history after performing the first-ever laser ablation procedure for varicose veins in a county hospital.
The groundbreaking surgery was successfully carried out at Machakos Level 5 Hospital, offering new hope to patients suffering from vascular complications.
The patient, diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, was treated using advanced laser ablation technology—a procedure hailed as a safer, less invasive, and more cost-effective alternative to traditional vein surgery.
Kenya currently grapples with an acute shortage of cardiovascular surgeons, with fewer than 20 specialists serving a population of more than 50 million people. Against this backdrop, Machakos County’s achievement marks a significant leap in bridging the healthcare gap.
Dr. Deborah Mutile, a Machakos-based cardiovascular surgeon who led the procedure, said laser ablation represents a major improvement over conventional methods.
“Unlike the old technique where veins were stripped manually through large incisions, this laser technology seals the faulty vein from the inside. It reduces pain, complications, and theatre time, while allowing patients to go home the same day,” explained Dr. Mutile.
Traditional vein stripping surgery involved physically removing diseased veins through large incisions—a process that was painful, costly, and carried risks of infection, prolonged recovery, and extensive hospital stays.
In contrast, laser ablation involves inserting a thin fiber-optic catheter through a small puncture in the skin. Heat from the laser closes the diseased vein, allowing blood to reroute naturally to healthier vessels.
Dr. Mutile noted that patients benefit from faster healing, minimal scarring, and significantly reduced recovery times. “This is particularly ideal for public hospitals because it shortens theatre time and frees up hospital resources while delivering better outcomes,” she added.
Machakos County Executive for Health Services, Justus Kasivu, praised the hospital team for pioneering the service in a public facility. He said the county was proud to introduce a treatment that, until recently, was only available in high-end private hospitals.
“This is a game changer for Machakos residents and beyond. We now have a resident cardiovascular surgeon offering affordable treatment for vascular complications. All patients already scheduled for the procedure will be attended to promptly,” Kasivu assured.
The hospital’s Medical Superintendent, Dr. Daniel Katua, described the success as a major milestone not only for Machakos but also for Kenya’s public healthcare system.
“This demonstrates that county hospitals are capable of delivering cutting-edge technology and specialized services closer to the people. It will also reduce the burden of referrals to national centers,” said Dr. Katua.
The successful introduction of laser ablation at Machakos Level 5 Hospital highlights the growing role of county governments in transforming healthcare delivery. By investing in modern technologies and attracting top specialists, counties like Machakos are proving that advanced medical care does not have to remain the preserve of urban or private facilities.
With this breakthrough, Machakos County has set the pace for other counties to follow, offering patients affordable access to world-class healthcare while easing the pressure on Kenya’s already overstretched referral hospitals.
