A newly appointed taskforce has launched public hearings to investigate alleged illegal kidney transplant activities in Kenya. The taskforce, established by the Health Cabinet Secretary, has begun its work amid growing concerns over malpractice in kidney transplant services at a prominent hospital group.
The Independent Investigative Committee on Tissue and Organ Transplant Services convened for the first time on June 5, 2025, in Vihiga County. The committee is chaired by Professor Elizabeth Bukusi and is charged with examining the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern tissue and organ transplants within the country.
Following its inaugural meeting, the taskforce has scheduled a series of hearings across multiple counties, including Bomet, Meru, Uasin Gishu, Kisii, Nakuru, Kisumu, and Nairobi. These hearings will culminate in a final public session set for June 27 in Mombasa.
The scope of the investigation is broad. The taskforce will engage with a wide range of stakeholders involved in organ transplant procedures over the last five years. This includes donors, recipients, and healthcare professionals who have participated in or overseen kidney transplants.
The investigation aims to uncover whether illegal practices such as commercialization of organs, coercion of donors, or violations of the Human Tissue Act have taken place. These concerns have drawn significant public attention, especially following media reports alleging that kidneys have been harvested from Kenyan donors for relatively low sums, then sold abroad at vastly higher prices.
In parallel with the taskforce’s work, the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Health is conducting its own investigation into the matter. Chaired by a member of parliament, the committee has embarked on a 90-day inquiry to probe allegations of illegal organ trafficking, particularly focusing on the activities of the hospital group implicated in the controversy.
The allegations, which emerged following an international media exposé, claim that the hospital has been involved in harvesting kidneys from vulnerable Kenyans for about Ksh294,000 and selling these organs overseas for as much as Ksh3.2 million. This revelation has sparked widespread outrage and calls for stricter oversight of organ transplant services in the country.
Kidney transplantation is a highly sensitive medical procedure governed by strict ethical and legal standards globally. In Kenya, the practice is regulated under the Human Tissue Act, which outlines clear protocols for donor consent, medical screening, and the prohibition of organ trading. Any deviation from these standards compromises patient safety and violates human rights.
The taskforce’s mandate is therefore crucial in safeguarding the integrity of the country’s healthcare system and ensuring that transplant services are conducted transparently and ethically. The hearings aim to provide a platform where victims or whistleblowers can come forward with information, and where regulatory gaps can be identified and addressed.
Health experts emphasize that while kidney transplants can be life-saving, they must never become commercialized commodities. Organ donation should be voluntary and altruistic, with the utmost respect for the dignity and rights of all involved.
The investigation comes at a time when Kenya’s healthcare sector is under increasing pressure to improve quality and accountability. Illegal organ trade not only tarnishes the reputation of the medical community but also undermines trust in the health system.
By conducting these public hearings, the taskforce hopes to build a comprehensive picture of the transplant ecosystem in Kenya, pinpointing systemic weaknesses and recommending reforms. This includes enhancing regulatory frameworks, improving enforcement mechanisms, and raising awareness among the public about the legal processes surrounding organ donation and transplantation.
Ultimately, the hearings seek to restore confidence in kidney transplant services by ensuring that all procedures comply with ethical and legal standards, protecting donors and recipients alike from exploitation.
The outcome of these investigations could lead to significant policy changes, including stricter licensing for hospitals offering transplant services and tougher penalties for those found guilty of malpractice or organ trafficking.
As the hearings progress through the scheduled counties, many stakeholders in the healthcare sector, human rights groups, and the general public will be closely watching to see how the government addresses these serious allegations and moves to safeguard the future of organ transplant services in Kenya.
