Dr. Lance Mayabi understands that a surgeon’s job is to protect, promote and advance the health, safety and security of their patients. And he has made those ideals the mission of his decade-long career in medicine. With a specialization in surgical gastroenterology (laparoscopy and endoscopy), Dr. Mayabi has established and led the delivery of medical services, mentored junior medical staff, and supported the formulation of strategic plans for medical services at various hospitals.

Growing up, Dr. Mayabi underwent several surgeries. His interactions with various Surgeons and other healthcare professionals over the years gave him a unique perspective on the importance of providing high-quality medical care and the impact it can have on patients’ lives. This personal experience, combined with his passion for science and desire to make a difference, ultimately led him to pursue a career in surgery. Dr. Mayabi received his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBcHB) from the University of Nairobi and later earned a Masters in Medicine in General Surgery through a work-study program at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi. He then completed a Fellowship in General Surgery at the College of Surgeons East Central and Southern Africa.

After earning his degree from the University of Nairobi, Dr. Mayabi began his medical career as a Medical Intern at Aga Khan University Hospital. He then went on to work as a Medical Officer and Assistant Branch Manager for the Industrial Area Branch at Avenue Healthcare Group. In 2013, he began his general surgery residency at Aga Khan University Hospital and upon its completion served as a Lecturer at Kenya Methodist University for a year. During the same year, he served as a Resident Surgeon and Medical Officer at St. Theresa Mission Hospital before moving on to his current role as Head of Surgery at The Karen Hospital in Nairobi.

Dr. Mayabi is a highly accomplished and respected member of the medical community, having been voted Mentor of the Year at the Surgical Society of Kenya Conference in 2022 and admitted as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons in October 2022. He has also made notable contributions to the field, including establishing the COSECSA General Surgery Training Program in January 2021 as its Program Director, pioneering the introduction of the Allurion Intragastric

Balloon as a weight loss option that does not require anaesthesia in July 2021, and revamping The Karen Hospital’s minimally invasive surgical service in 2018. Through his collaboration with other like-minded medics in the Laparoscopy Mashinani initiative, he has helped to provide affordable surgical services to rural communities in Kenya, improving the health of over 350 patients in Tumutumu, Kerugoya, and Mandera.