The National Assembly Health Committee has initiated an 80-day investigation into alleged illegal kidney transplants in the country, amid growing concerns over ethical breaches and malpractice in the health sector.
Committee Chairperson Dr. James Nyikal announced on Monday that the probe will focus on uncovering possible professional misconduct and gaps in the legal framework governing organ transplant procedures in Kenya.
“This investigation will help us establish the truth about alleged irregularities in kidney transplants and determine whether existing laws adequately protect patients,” Dr. Nyikal stated.
The parliamentary inquiry comes on the heels of the Ministry of Health’s decision to suspend all transplant services at Mediheal Group of Hospitals. The suspension, affecting all branches but particularly its Eldoret facility, follows reports of unethical practices and violations of professional standards.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed that the ministry had received credible complaints from both the public and government agencies regarding Mediheal’s operations. In response, Duale has appointed a special independent committee to audit the hospital group’s kidney transplant practices over the past five years.
“The expert team will examine issues of governance, clinical conduct, ethical compliance, and patient safety,” said Duale. “Their findings will help guide future actions to safeguard the health and dignity of patients in Kenya.”
The expert committee, composed of transplant specialists from both public and private sectors as well as regulatory bodies, is expected to deliver its report within 90 days. Duale noted that a previous report submitted in December 2023 was rejected due to lack of consensus among its authors and failure to formally present it to the ministry.
The National Assembly’s inquiry will run parallel to the ministry’s audit and is anticipated to provide crucial recommendations to strengthen oversight in Kenya’s organ transplant sector.
