Duale appoints 12-member task force to probe kidney transplant allegations at Mediheal Hospital
The committee has been tasked with establishing the current legal and regulatory framework governing tissue and organ transplant services in Kenya and conducting an in-depth, independent investigation into any non-compliant services offered in health facilities.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has appointed a task force, comprising 12 members and three joint secretaries, to investigate organ transplant services and probe allegations involving Mediheal Hospital in Eldoret.
In a gazette notice dated April 23, 2025, Duale said the Independent Investigative Committee on Tissue and Organ Transplant Services will serve for three months, conducting independent investigations into non-compliant practices in health facilities, including Mediheal Group of Hospitals, and evaluating governance, ethical, legal and clinical practices of tissue and organ transplant services across the country.
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The committee, chaired by Prof. Elizabeth Bukusi, includes members Dr. Jonathan Wala Ameyo, Prof. Ahmed Sokwala, Dr. Prexedes Okutoyi, Dr. Patrick Mburugu, Dr. Noelle Atieno Orata, Dr. Ann Kasyoka Barasa, Dr. Diviner Kemunto Nyarera, Dr. Wendy Kimbui, Sara Talaso Bonaya, Dr. Charles Kandie, Joseph Ndirangu, and Larica Onam.
The secretariat consists of Dr. Stella Kanja, Rueben Tulei and Jedidah Effie Oduor.
The committee has been tasked with establishing the current legal and regulatory framework governing tissue and organ transplant services in Kenya and conducting an in-depth, independent investigation into any non-compliant services offered in health facilities. This includes a specific focus on Mediheal. It will also assess the governance, ethical, legal, and clinical practices of transplant services across all medical institutions in the country.
It is expected to review the existing policy, legal, and institutional frameworks, standards, guidelines, and protocols in place, identifying any gaps or weaknesses. The team will evaluate transplant procedures, ethics reviews, and post-transplant monitoring processes, and determine whether facilities are licensed and in compliance with the relevant frameworks.
Regarding Mediheal Group of Hospitals, Duale said the committee will obtain and review all clinical records, consent forms and documentation for tissue and organ transplants conducted in the past 60 months. It will interview transplant surgeons, nephrologists, anaesthetists, administrators and both donors and recipients.
It will also investigate any suspected malpractices, organ trafficking or breaches of compliance. He noted that the team will examine the legality and ethical soundness of each donor-recipient match, including verifying donor consent and identity.
Part of the probe includes determining whether any commercialisation, coercion, or violations of the Human Tissue Act or any other laws have occurred.
The CS further noted that the committee will audit Mediheal’s adherence to transplant service standards, including the functioning of its Renal Transplant Ethics Committee, and assess the hospital’s reporting to regulators and compliance with site inspections.
It will also investigate whether Mediheal followed regulations concerning the shipment of human tissues or organs outside Kenya and submitted the required reports to government agencies.
The team will hold consultative meetings with stakeholders and the public, access and review previous relevant reports, and ultimately submit a detailed report with recommendations.
According to Duale, the recommendations are expected to address gaps, systemic weaknesses, professional or criminal misconduct, and any other issues uncovered during the inquiry.
“In the execution of its mandate, the Committee shall regulate its procedures with respect to the orderly conduct of its proceedings, quorum for the transaction of business and other related matters,” reads the notice.
It also authorises the committee to conduct or commission studies and research necessary to support its work and, in consultation with the Cabinet Secretary, co-opt any additional individuals who may aid in executing its duties.
All members of the committee are required to subscribe to a formal declaration before beginning their assignments. The secretariat will be responsible for maintaining accurate records of deliberations, preparing reports, conducting research, and liaising with relevant institutions.
The committee will be domiciled at the Ministry of Health and is expected to conclude its work by July 23, 2025.
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