Kenya takes historic step in kidney transplants as KUTRRH prepares for full procedures

Kenyatta University Teaching, Research and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH) will make history as the first facility in Kenya to offer a full-procedure kidney transplant.

This ground-breaking advancement is expected to save many Kenyans millions of shillings in medical expenses while providing access to life-saving treatment locally.

KUTRRH is preparing to launch its kidney transplant programme within the next month.

According to Dr Zainab Gura, the hospital’s CEO, the first kidney patient and donor pair have already been identified and are undergoing preparation for the historic procedure.

“This marks a major milestone for KUTRRH as we become the first facility in the country to offer comprehensive kidney transplant services. It will significantly ease the financial burden on Kenyans who previously had to travel abroad for such procedures,” Zainab said.

The Ministry of Health has confirmed that the transplants will be fully covered by the Social Health Authority (SHA), ensuring affordability and accessibility for many patients in need.

Kidney disease is becoming a growing health concern in Kenya.

Dialysis

Data from the Ministry of Health shows that over 5,000 patients are currently on dialysis, while more than 12,000 have reached end-stage kidney disease.

An estimated five million Kenyans have some form of chronic kidney condition, with many unaware of their status.

By October 2022, 6,300 patients—about 50 per cent of estimated kidney disease cases—were undergoing chronic hemodialysis treatments.

While dialysis remains the preferred option for many patients due to various factors, the number of kidney transplants in Kenya remains low.

Projections indicate that by 2040, kidney disease could become the fifth leading cause of premature death globally. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) can affect anyone.

Globally, 10 per cent of the population has some form of CKD, with prevalence rising among older adults. Statistics show that one in five men and one in four women aged 65-75 are affected.

Despite the growing burden of kidney disease, Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority data shows that transplant numbers in Kenya remain significantly low.

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• KUTRRH
• Dialysis
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• Kenyatta University Teaching Research and Referral Hospital
• Dr Zainab Gura
• organ transplant
• Kenya takes historic step in kidney transplants as KUTRRH prepares for full procedures
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Between 2012 and 2022, only a small fraction of kidney patients underwent transplants.

Many factors, including organ donor shortages, medical costs, and limited access to specialised transplant centres, have contributed to the low numbers.

With the introduction of full-procedure kidney transplants at KUTRRH, Kenya is taking a major step forward in advancing organ transplantation.

This initiative promises to enhance healthcare access and improve the quality of life for thousands of Kenyans in need.