Parliamentary Committee on Health has visited Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), St Luke Orthopaedic and Trauma Centre and Oak Tree Hospital in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, as part of an inquiry into alleged malpractice and ethical breaches in kidney transplant services at Mediheal Group of Hospitals.

Seme MP James Nyikal, who led the delegation said the probe was triggered by a petition in parliament that alleged organ harvesting and illegal transplants.

“We are following up on various issues within the health sector, with particular focus on organ harvesting, especially kidneys. Our responsibility is to establish the facts,” said Dr Nyikal.

He added that investigations have so far confirmed kidney transplants, some legitimate while others may not meet ethical or legal standards.

The committee plans to interview alleged donors, police officers involved in the case and later visit Mediheal Hospital.

Dr Nyikal further noted major legal gaps, stressing the urgency of strengthening the Tissue and Transplant Bill before Parliament.

“We have noted serious gaps in existing laws, including the absence of provisions for organs from deceased donors and regulations for foreigners seeking transplants in Kenya. Strengthening the bill will be crucial in closing these loopholes,” he said.

Endebess MP Robert Pukose requested for more time to compile a detailed report, thanking stakeholders for their input.

He said the committee would deliberate on concerns raised, particularly regarding surgeries at St Luke’s and MTRH, emphasising that MTRH should play a greater role in healthcare delivery.

Dr Matthew Koech of Oak Tree Hospital stressed that while kidney transplants are life-saving, they are not emergencies.

Dr Koech cautioned against setting numerical targets that prioritize quantity over quality, cautioning that such pressure risks mistakes, complications, and even deaths. The focus, he said, should be on ensuring long-term kidney function for patients.

The committee reiterated that the inquiry is ongoing and promised a comprehensive final report to guide reforms and safeguard ethical standards in transplant services.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Ekuwam Sylvester and Fredrick Maritim