Mediheal Cleared of Organ Trafficking Claims as MPs Push for Sweeping Reforms
By Kass Digital, Nairobi Kenya
The National Assembly has cleared Mediheal Hospital of allegations linked to organ trafficking, following a nearly year-long investigation, even as lawmakers call for major reforms in Kenya’s organ transplant system.
A report tabled on Wednesday by the Departmental Committee on Health, chaired by James Nyikal, found no evidence of malpractice or ethical violations in kidney transplant procedures at the Eldoret-based facility.
The probe was launched in April 2025 after Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale ordered the suspension of kidney transplant services at Mediheal Hospital over claims of organ harvesting and professional misconduct.
However, the committee has now exonerated the hospital associated with former Kesses MP Swarup Mishra recommending the immediate lifting of all sanctions, including licence suspensions.
The decision also affects two other Eldoret-based facilities—St Luke’s Orthopaedic and Trauma Hospital and Oak Tree Centre for Kidney and Chronic Disease—which had been impacted by the earlier directive.
Despite clearing the hospitals, lawmakers warned that the inquiry exposed significant gaps in Kenya’s legal and regulatory framework governing organ and tissue transplants.
Push for Stronger Laws and Oversight
To address these shortcomings, the committee has proposed the enactment of a comprehensive Blood, Cell and Organ Transplant Law. The new legislation would establish a National Organ Transplant Authority, a centralized registry, and a transparent organ allocation system.
The Ministry of Health has been urged to fast-track regulations under the Health Act and develop a National Organ Transplant Policy aligned with Universal Health Coverage goals and international standards.
In addition, MPs recommended the creation of a joint inspection and enforcement framework among regulatory agencies to strengthen oversight and prevent malpractice.
Investment in Capacity and Access
On infrastructure, the committee called on the National Treasury to accelerate funding for the East Africa Centre of Excellence in Urology and Nephrology at Kenyatta National Hospital, a project expected to boost training of transplant specialists and enhance capacity within five years.
The Ministry of Health, working with county governments, has also been tasked with developing a national human resource strategy to address the shortage of specialists and expand transplant services in public hospitals.
To improve access to care, lawmakers recommended that the Ministry, in consultation with the Social Health Authority (SHA), review and gazette a benefits package to ensure full coverage of transplant services for eligible patients.
Public Awareness Drive
The committee further emphasized the need for a nationwide public awareness campaign on organ donation to educate Kenyans, promote its importance, and address cultural and religious misconceptions.
The findings mark a significant moment for Kenya’s healthcare sector clearing a major institution of serious allegations while setting the stage for reforms aimed at restoring public trust and improving access to life-saving transplant services.
