By Aoma Keziah,
Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, has ordered the immediate suspension of all kidney transplant procedures at Mediheal Group of Hospitals. This announcement has come amid mounting concerns over alleged ethical violations and clinical malpractice at the facility’s Eldoret branch.
Speaking at a press briefing at Afya house in Nairobi, Duale disclosed that the Ministry of Health has appointed an independent expert committee to conduct a comprehensive audit of all kidney transplant services at Mediheal hospitals over the past five years. The committee will consist of professionals drawn from both public and private healthcare institutions, medical regulatory bodies, and relevant professional associations.
“This committee will focus on governance structures, clinical protocols, ethical standards, and patient safety systems, their report is expected within 90 days,” said Duale
The move follows a fact-finding mission launched in December 2023 by the Ministry, which included a multidisciplinary team of transplant specialists, ethicists, representatives from regulatory bodies, and academic experts. However, Duale noted that the team’s final report was not submitted due to disagreements among its members over key recommendations, thereby stalling further action.
In addition to the audit, he announced the suspension of two senior officials in the Ministry Dr. Maurice Wakwabubi, Acting Head of Kenya Blood Transfusion and Transplant Services (KBTTS), and Dr. Everlyne Chege, who chaired the December probe, appointing Dr. Martin Sirengo in an interim capacity to oversee KBTTS operations during the inquiry. The decision, he said, was necessary to avoid any conflict of interest and ensure the integrity of ongoing investigations.
“ Patients currently under care at Mediheal or those seeking transplant services are advised to seek treatment at other licensed facilities including Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, and others listed by the Ministry,” continued to state Duale.
Further tightening oversight on foreign medical professionals, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has been directed to suspend the issuance of new licenses to foreign doctors with the exception of those from East African Community member states, until current guidelines are reviewed. KMPDC has also been tasked with auditing all foreign medical licenses issued to date, and must present its findings within 90 days.
The Health CS further stated that his Ministry remains resolute in defending the rights and dignity of all patients, affirming committed to restoring professionalism, ethical standards, and public trust in Kenya’s healthcare system.
