On May 9th, 2025 we marked a significant achievement in Kenya’s medical history by launching a kidney transplant with two patients undergoing successful transplant marking an entry into organ transplantation. This milestone positions this institution as the third public hospital to offer comprehensive kidney transplant services.
A Three-Year Journey to Excellence.
The two groundbreaking transplants were performed on May 7th and 8th, 2025, involving donor-recipient pairs aged 50 and 47. All patients are reported to be in stable condition and are recovering well under close medical supervision. These procedures are the culmination of a dedicated three-year effort by this hospital to establish a state-of-the-art renal transplant center. This endeavor included extensive staff training, acquisition of specialized medical equipment, and the development of strategic partnerships.
Leadership and Collaboration at the Forefront.
During a recent address when he toured the hospital, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, highlighted the critical role that the hospital continues to play in Kenya’s healthcare system. He emphasized that this hospital is not only a center for specialized medical services, but also a hub for health research and a contributor to the national training of healthcare professionals. According to him, this facility is a key pillar in advancing the government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
First Kidney Transplant a National Milestone
The CS lauded the successful completion of the hospital’s first kidney transplant, terming it a significant breakthrough for both the hospital and the country’s healthcare system as a whole. He noted that with this achievement, this hospital has joined the ranks of national institutions capable of performing complex, life-saving procedures while maintaining the highest ethical standards.
He expressed appreciation for the surgical team, nurses, and all support staff whose efforts made the procedure possible. He also took the opportunity to emphasize the urgent need for a robust regulatory framework around organ donation and transplantation in Kenya. As transplant services become more accessible, the CS said it was essential to ensure all procedures are conducted with transparency, safety, and respect for the rights of both patients and donors.
Ministry Reviewing Laws for Safe Transplants
Duale added that the ministry is actively reviewing current laws and policies to protect the system from potential abuse and to ensure accountability in all organ donation processes.
He further pointed out that this hospital is equipped with cutting-edge diagnostics and treatment technology, offering services that range from cancer care to the management of cardiovascular diseases. The ministry continues to support the hospital so that these technological advancements directly benefit Kenyans and reduce the need for referrals abroad.
SHA Disburses KSh 700M to Boost Services
In his remarks, the CS also mentioned that the Social Health Authority (SHA) is now fully operational here and has already disbursed KSh 700 million to support hospital services. However, he stressed that technology alone is not enough. The government, he said, remains committed to strengthening the referral system and building the overall capacity of care across all levels of the healthcare network.
Referral System, Capacity Building a Top Priority
The hospital’s Board Chairperson ,Hon. Sen. Kembi-Gitura, highlighted the importance of institutional synergy in advancing national health goals. He acknowledged the collaboration between this hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, as a model for breaking the gap that necessitates citizens to seek medical treatment abroad. He added that level 6 hospitals need to work together to break the gap that necessitates citizens to seek medical health from outside the country. He noted that since taking office as Chairman, he had witnessed first hand, the resilience, determination and professionalism of the hospital`s leadership and clinical teams.
On behalf of the board, Hon. Kembi commended everyone involved in making this transformative journey possible, and said that their work is not only improving lives but also changing the future of healthcare in Kenya. The Board reaffirmed their support to the management in all the future programs aimed at deepening access to specialized care.” This day, we celebrate not just a medical procedure but the spirit of compassion, progress and hope.”, he added
Ag. CEO, Dr. Zeinab Gura expressed pride in the hospital’s achievement and reaffirmed the hospital’s dedication to providing quality, affordable, and world-class healthcare. She appreciated the oversight and guidance from the board of directors and appreciated the support of the Ministry of Health as they prepared for the kidney transplant.
She moreover announced plans for additional transplant procedures in the coming weeks, with one donor-recipient pair already prepared and eight more pairs undergoing evaluation at the transplant clinic.
A New Era for Renal Care in Kenya.
Dr. Njogu Maina, a consultant physician and nephrologist, led the transplant team in collaboration with specialists from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital led by Dr. Peter Kipruto Koech. He noted that the successful surgeries followed a rigorous three-year preparation, including establishing a kidney transplant program, intensive staff training at Apollo Hospitals in Mumbai-India, acquiring specialized equipment, and developing strategic partnerships
He further emphasized that this breakthrough offers hope to patients suffering from kidney diseases, as this institution can now provide these services. He appreciated the experts and specialists involved in the collaboration and the patients involved for having faith in the institution’s performance.
This establishment of a kidney transplant center in this hospital is aimed at alleviating the burden on existing facilities and reduce the need for costly overseas treatments. The hospital’s Renal Department currently operates twenty (20) dialysis machines ensuring the highest standards of patient care.
Looking Ahead
This new chapter brings renewed hope to thousands of patients battling end-stage kidney disease and emphasizes Kenya’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage.