Kenya halts kidney trafficking operation after report

Kenya‘s government confirmed on Thursday that it would shut down kidney transplant operations at a clinic that had been in the spotlight for organ trafficking. 

The announcement came just days after the release of a report by DW and German media outlets Der Spiegel, ZDF on the “Mediheal” clinic in Kenya. 

What was in the report?

The report traced the paths of organ sellers and buyers, analyzed documents, spoke with whistleblowers and medical professionals.

It uncovered an international network that exploited young Kenyans who were desperate for money, as well as old patients who were desperate for a life-saving kidney.

DW correspondent in Nairobi, Felix Maringa, reported that the Kenyan government’s response was swift, starting with the shutting down of the organ transplant operation at the hospital.

“A new committee has been put in place that will investigate the ethical practices at Mediheal Hospital, the governing system and even client privilege when it comes to donation of kidneys,” Maringa said.

“Two health officials at the ministry have also been suspended,” Maringa said. The officials are believed to have tampered with a 2023 investigation of the hospital.

The ministry has also moved to suspend the medical licenses of foreign doctors, as those implicated were foreigners, from Pakistan and India, Maringa added.

Mediheal investigation report thwarted

The Kenyan government released a statement on Thursday, with Health Minister Aden Duale appearing in front of the media to formally announce the measures.

Duale acknowledged that his government had been aware of the allegations against Mediheal Hospital, stating that in December 2023, his department had initiated a multidisciplinary fact-finding mission to address “serious concerns.” 

He admitted that the report was not signed because of “dissenting opinions” of some members in the committee. 

“But sad to say that report was also not submitted officially to the ministry of health for further action,” Duale told reporters.

He announced the immediate suspension of two senior ministry officials, Dr. Maurice Wakwabubi and Dr. Everlyne Chege.

“This step is necessary to eliminate any potential conflict of interest and to ensure that further investigations proceed independently and objectively, in accordance with relevant laws,” the ministry statement read.

Health Ministry seeks to ‘restore public trust’

Duale said the ministry has now established a new, wide-ranging investigation.

He said the ministry would conduct “a comprehensive audit of all kidney transplants” for the past five years.

The committee will be expected to submit its report within 90 days, Duale said.

In addition to suspending all foreign medical licenses, the Kenyan government will also review and audit all foreign medical practitioners, except for those in the Eastern African Community.

“I want to reaffirm my ministry’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights, the safety and the dignity of patients,” Duale said.

He added that the ministry was also committed to “restoring order, public trust and confidence in Kenya’s health system.”