NAIROBI, Kenya – Provision of healthcare services is expected to improve in the country after the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) successfully performed its first two kidney transplant surgeries.
The surgeries were conducted on May 7 and 8, 2025. Both recipients and donors are recovering well post-surgery.
The official launch of the kidney transplant services was marked by a press briefing led by the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, who commended the KUTRRH team for the milestone.
Dr. Oluga was joined by the acting CEO, Zeinab Gura, and the chairperson of the board of directors, Senator Kembi Gitura.
According to the Ministry of Health (MoH), over the past three years, KUTRRH has been working to establish a renal transplant centre.
This included training staff at Apollo Hospital in India, acquiring specialised equipment, and building collaborative partnerships.
How the kidney surgeries were conducted
The surgeries were carried out in partnership with a team of kidney specialists from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), who will continue to provide mentorship as the hospital builds internal capacity.
One donor-recipient pair is already prepared for the next transplant, and eight additional pairs are undergoing evaluation at the transplant clinic.
MoH further disclosed that the surgeries were supported through the Social Health Authority (SHA), reducing the financial burden on patients and enhancing access to specialised kidney care in line with the country’s universal health coverage goals.
“This development positions KUTRRH as a growing centre for renal care services in Kenya,” said Dr. Oluga.
Kidney complications are a significant health concern in Kenya, with an estimated 4 million Kenyans reportedly experiencing kidney disease, and that number is expected to rise to 4.8 million by 2030.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its complications, including diabetic nephropathy and hypertensive kidney disease, are major contributors to the burden.
Why KNH established a Liver Transplant Clinic
This comes when the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has officially launched its inaugural Liver Transplant Clinic-a historic milestone as the first dedicated facility of its kind in the region.
This pioneering initiative aligns with the hospital’s commitment to expanding access to world-class, specialised medical services.
The clinic was launched under the leadership of Dr. Joel Lessan, Head of Specialised Surgery, alongside a multidisciplinary team of medical experts who underscored the clinic’s pivotal role in advancing patient care.
“The clinic will guide patients through their journey before and after a liver transplant,” said Dr. Lessan, highlighting the importance of comprehensive preparation and long-term follow-up in ensuring successful outcomes.
According to the latest World Health Organisation (WHO) data published in 2020, liver disease deaths in Kenya reached 13,405, or 5.09% of total deaths. The age-adjusted death rate is 57.44 per 100,000 of the population, ranking Kenya number six in the world.
However, it is emerging that the new KNH clinic is designed to streamline the transplant process, enhance post-operative care, and provide holistic support to liver transplant patients and their families.
