MAKUENI, Kenya – The county’s medical capabilities have advanced significantly with the successful completion of the first-ever brain tumour operation at Makueni County Referral Hospital.
Dr. Muthoka Mativo, a consultant neurosurgeon, oversaw the delicate treatment, which took over six hours and required the excision of a brain tumour. Dr. Angela Murunga assisted.
Dr. Harvey Mulei, Chief Officer for Health, who observed the procedure, praised the surgical team for their outstanding skill, dedication, and coordination.
When the 69-year-old male patient arrived at the clinic for treatment, he was suffering from seizures and chronic migraines.
Following a comprehensive diagnostic procedure, physicians advised prompt surgical intervention, which was carried out in the hospital’s main operating room with success.
Residents of Makueni will no longer have to go to far-off locations for cutting-edge neurosurgical operations thanks to this historic accomplishment.
Why Dr. Ouma Oluga lauded KUTRRH
This comes when the provision of healthcare services is expected to improve in the country after the Kenya 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.
