The Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has recently issued a statement addressing concerns raised by a patient regarding a failed kidney transplant performed at the hospital.
The patient, diagnosed with kidney failure in 2022, had been undergoing regular haemodialysis treatment at a private facility before being referred to KNH.
She underwent surgery at the hospital’s Transplant Unit in February 2025 however, the kidney failed to function.
KNH breaks silence on unsuccessful kidney transplant. Photo: Courtesy.
After the unsuccessful procedure, the patient’s relatives reported the incident to Capitol Hill Police Station, seeking an explanation from the facility.
In a statement on Monday, August 11, KNH noted that it was aware of the reports about the case and provided an account of the events.
“Our attention has been drawn to an article regarding a female patient seeking answers on a kidney transplant donated by their brother at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). The patient was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2022 and underwent regular haemodialysis treatment at a private facility. From August 2024, she attended the transplant clinic in KNH with her brother to prepare for kidney transplantation. She received preparation for the procedure professional counselling, clinical and multidisciplinary team evaluation in preparation for the procedure,” the statement read.
The hospital moreover explained that both the donor and recipient had undergone all required checks before being scheduled for surgery.
However, the hospital confirmed that the transplanted organ did not start working as expected after the operation.
As a result, KNH says doctors carried out an urgent follow-up procedure in line with global medical practice to remove the kidney.
According to KNH, the donor made a full recovery and was discharged under routine monitoring, while the recipient was placed back on dialysis.
