The Kenya University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) has successfully launched its kidney transplant programme, marking a major milestone in the country’s healthcare sector. On May 7 and 8, 2025, the hospital conducted its first two kidney transplant surgeries, with both recipients and donors reported to be recovering well.
This breakthrough follows three years of groundwork, which included training medical personnel at Apollo Hospital in India, acquiring specialized renal equipment, and building strategic partnerships. The surgeries were performed in collaboration with specialists from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), who will continue to mentor KUTRRH’s team as the hospital builds its own capacity.
Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga officially launched the transplant services on Friday, commending the KUTRRH team for the achievement. He was joined by the Acting CEO Zeinab Gura and Chairperson of the Board of Directors Kembi Gitura.
The hospital is already preparing for additional transplants. One more donor-recipient pair is ready for surgery, while eight other pairs are currently undergoing evaluation at the transplant clinic. These procedures are being supported through the Social Health Authority (SHA), significantly reducing the financial burden on patients and aligning with Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals.
KUTRRH’s new transplant services come at a critical time as kidney disease continues to rise in Kenya. According to the Kenya Renal Association (KRA), approximately four million Kenyans about one in ten suffer from some form of kidney disease. Of these, an estimated 12,500 patients have End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) and require transplants.
Yet access remains limited. As of 2022, only 6,300 ESKD patients were receiving hemodialysis, and just 160 transplants were conducted in 2021 a transplant conversion rate of 2.8 per cent, far below the global average of 10 per cent.
With KUTRRH now offering kidney transplant services, Kenya is making crucial strides in closing this gap. The hospital is poised to become a key centre for renal care, offering renewed hope to thousands in need of life-saving treatment.
