Moi Referral Hospital performs Kenya’s first renal artery bypass surgery
The complex procedure was conducted on June 24, 2025, by a team of specialists from the hospital’s Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Unit, led by Dr Stephen Takow.
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret has recorded a major medical breakthrough after successfully performing the country’s first-ever Renal Artery Bypass Surgery.
The complex procedure was conducted on June 24, 2025, by a team of specialists from the hospital’s Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Unit, led by Dr Stephen Takow.
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The patient, a 20-year-old woman diagnosed with renovascular hypertension due to severe narrowing of arteries supplying blood to her kidneys, is now recovering well at home after being discharged.
Hospital CEO Phillip Kirwa confirmed the successful outcome of the surgery, noting that less invasive options like angioplasty and stenting were ruled out, prompting the team to proceed with the bypass.
“The groundbreaking surgery went in very well. It was successful, and she is recuperating well and has been discharged," he said.
The procedure involves rerouting blood flow by grafting a blood vessel, either from the patient or using a synthetic option, to bypass the blocked renal artery and restore normal blood circulation to the kidneys.
Dr Kirwa said the operation marks a historic step for the hospital and reflects its growing capacity in advanced surgical care and innovation, not only in Kenya but also across the region. He noted that under his leadership, MTRH has continued to achieve milestones in delivering specialised health services.
Just last week, the hospital carried out another milestone after successfully performing seven heart-related surgeries during a special medical camp aimed at treating patients at high risk of heart attacks.
The entrance to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. (Photo: MTRH)
According to Dr Kirwa, the hospital’s team of cardiologists and specialists used modern, minimally invasive procedures to treat narrowed blood vessels that increase the risk of coronary artery disease. He explained that patients facing this condition often experience pain in the chest, mainly on the left side, as well as discomfort in the left arm and shoulder.
“This is a common problem and many patients are sedentary with hypertension, diabetes, obesity and hypertension cases which are increasing,” he had said.
He added that offering these services locally at MTRH was vital to saving lives, especially for patients experiencing heart attacks, where rapid response is critical.
“When a patient gets a heart attack, it takes a very short time to death, and intervention has to be done within two hours and having this service here is key to the people of this region," said Kirwa.
He further revealed that the hospital was equipped earlier this year with new machines and equipment purchased by the Ministry of Health, which enabled the procedures to be performed.
“This is part of the intervention by the government to save patients from heart attacks. This is the first time in Western Kenya,” Kirwa noted.
Dr Kirwa also confirmed that the procedures are fully covered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) and credited the government for supporting public hospitals and making healthcare more accessible.
“That’s why we urge Kenyans to register with SHA, which covers most of the many complex procedures we undertake at MTRH,” he added.
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