New ICS Member, Dr. April Jensen, Leads Team from Scenic Northwest Surgical Outreach to Kenya

In February 2025, Scenic Northwest Surgical Outreach (ScenicNWSO) traveled to Engos, Kenya to conduct a surgical needs assessment, screen patients for minor procedures, and perform approximately thirty skin and soft tissue surgeries under local anesthesia. The trip was led by Dr. April Jensen, DO, MPH, FICS — a community-based general surgeon in Albany, Oregon, and founder/director of ScenicNWSO.

This visit marked the first phase of establishing sustainable surgical access in this remote region, located on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment overlooking the Mara Triangle. The village of Engos is an eight-hour drive from Nairobi over partially paved roads.

Since December 2008, the Africa Mission Services (AMS) Community Health Clinic has served the local population of roughly 7,500 people, primarily of the Maasai tribe. The clinic provides HIV testing, primary medical care, maternal health services, vaccinations, and dental care. It has recently expanded with a new maternity ward that now supports 40–50 deliveries per month. The next closest clinic is in Lolgorian, about an hour’s drive away, but with only minimal additional services. For surgical care, imaging, or specialty services, patients typically travel several hours to Nairobi. The health center also works closely with the Kenya Ministry of Health to provide access to government-funded programs, including well-child immunizations and HIV counseling and testing.

During their visit, the Scenic NWSO team used the women’s health clinic as a procedure room, as it was in better condition and had access to an autoclave. The main health clinic is scheduled for renovations in the next 1–2 years. The team brought two trunks of medical supplies, generously supported by a grant from the International College of Surgeons US Section (ICS) as well as other donations. Unfortunately, despite carrying documentation confirming that the supplies were donations and not for resale, there were unexpected customs fees upon entry into Kenya — a challenge Scenic NWSO hopes to avoid in future trips.

Local healthcare providers had pre-screened patients in the weeks leading up to the team's arrival. On the first clinic day,  over 40 patients were evaluated. To ensure safe care, surgical candidates were limited to those with small, benign-appearing masses that could be removed under local anesthesia. The team lacked the resources for pathology, sedation, or general anesthesia. As a result, they had to turn away some patients due to the size or location of their masses, age, or time limitations. All patients received written post-operative instructions and follow-up care as needed.

Scenic NWSO plans to return to Engos in November 2025 to continue developing sustainable surgical access for the Maasai Mara community. If you are interested in participating in future trips, please contact Dr. April Jensen at scenicnwso@gmail.com or visit www.scenicnwso.org.