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Kenya’s Health Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, Thursday, April 17, 2025, suspended two senior officials from the Ministry of Health and halted all kidney transplant procedures at Mediheal Hospital in Eldoret. The hospital is under intense scrutiny following reports of unethical kidney transplants involving foreign recipients and impoverished local donors.
This follows an investigative report by Germany’s Deutsche Welle (DW), which brought international attention to the issue. The exposé detailed instances where impoverished Kenyan donors were allegedly compensated as little as Ksh.294,000 (approximately $2,000) for their kidneys, which were then transplanted into foreign recipients for fees reaching up to Ksh.3.2 million (approximately $20,000).
Investigations into Mediheal Hospital began after a series of reports highlighted a disturbing trend of “transplant tourism.” Foreign patients, including individuals from the UK, Israel, and Japan, have allegedly been visiting the hospital for kidney transplants facilitated by the hospital.
A fact-finding committee appointed by the Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority uncovered patterns indicative of trafficking, such as repeated use of the same next-of-kin names and involvement of foreign doctors in the surgeries. Despite compiling substantial evidence, the committee’s final report, initiated in December 2023, was allegedly suppressed due to interference from higher authorities.
In response to these revelations, CS Duale suspended Dr. Maurice Wakwabubi, the acting head of the Kenya Blood Transfusion and Transplant Services (KBTTS), and Dr. Everlyne Chege, the technical lead who chaired the initial probe team. He appointed Dr. Martin Sirengo, Senior Deputy Director of Medical Services, as the interim head of KBTTS to ensure impartiality during ongoing investigations.
Additionally, all kidney transplant services at Mediheal Hospital have been suspended indefinitely. Patients requiring such services are directed to the eight licensed kidney transplant facilities in Kenya, including Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, and Aga Khan University Hospital.
The scandal has drawn international attention, with the Israeli embassy in Nairobi expressing commitment to combat organ trafficking and urging legal action against those involved. The global black market for human organs is estimated to be worth over $1 billion annually, with a significant portion involving kidneys sourced from impoverished regions like Kenya.
“We strongly deplore all forms of organ trafficking and other illegal practices that endanger the life and dignity of both donors and recipients,” the statement from the embassy read in part. “Israeli law enforcement authorities remain vigilant in combating organ trafficking both within the country and in cooperation with international partners. These crimes are taken with utmost seriousness and appropriate legal measures are consistently pursued against those involved.”
The Kenya Renal Association has called for the immediate suspension of Mediheal Hospital’s operating license, citing violations of international and national regulations, including the World Health Organization’s resolutions and Kenya’s Health Act of 2017. The association emphasized that such practices exploit vulnerable donors and tarnish the reputation of Kenya’s medical community.
To ensure a thorough investigation, CS Duale established an independent committee of transplant experts to audit all kidney transplant services at Mediheal Hospital over the past five years. The committee is expected to submit its findings within 90 days.
Furthermore, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) was directed to suspend the issuance of new licenses to foreign medical practitioners, except those from East African Community member states, until existing guidelines are aligned with international standards. This follows allegations that KMPDC licensed foreign doctors previously banned from practicing medicine in countries like Pakistan and India.
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