The Ministry of Health has formally submitted its response to the Senate Committee on Health regarding Cells, Tissues and Organ Transplant Services in Kenya.
Initial Allegations and Fact-Finding Team
The Ministry states that in August 2023, it received correspondence from the Transplantation Society, a non-governmental organization, reporting possible organ trafficking in Eldoret through the Kenya Blood Transfusion and Transplant Services (KBTTS).
In response, in December 2023, the Ministry formed a multidisciplinary fact-finding committee to look into the claims.
The team included transplant specialists, bioethicists, KBTTS members, KMPDC officials, top Ministry officials, and academic experts.
Its terms of reference included investigating the Transplantation Society’s complaints, reviewing transplant operations at Mediheal Hospital, and determining compliance with clinical protocols, ethical standards, and applicable legal frameworks.
The Ministry further notes that, upon completion of its mission, the fact-finding team’s report was not unanimously approved by all members.
As a result, the report was not formally presented to the Ministry of Health for review or action.
Formation of the Independent Investigative Committee
On 25th April 2025, the Health CS, exercising the powers of office, suspended officers responsible at KBTTS to facilitate a transparent and impartial process.
The Cabinet Secretary subsequently established the Independent Investigative Committee on Organ Transplant Services (IICOTS), comprising independent experts drawn from both public and private sector institutions, professional medical associations, and relevant regulatory bodies.
The Committee was mandated to conduct a comprehensive audit of all organ transplant facilities in Kenya, investigate governance, clinical practices, ethical and legal compliance, and patient safety standards at Mediheal Hospital, and provide clear, actionable recommendations for strengthening transplant services nationwide.
The Independent Committee submitted its final report to the Ministry at the end of July 2025.
The Ministry confirms that some of the recommendations arising from the report are already being implemented.
The Ministry also notes that the Chair of the Independent Committee is present and will further summarize the findings.
Culpability and Ongoing Investigations
On matters relating to culpability of Mediheal Hospital, the Ministry states that this mandate rests with the relevant investigative agencies, including Parliament and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The National Assembly has completed its investigations, though the Ministry is yet to receive the official report. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is still conducting its investigations, and the Ministry awaits their final report.
