The Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) has successfully performed its first two kidney transplant surgeries, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s health sector.
The procedures, conducted on 7th and 8th May 2025, were declared successful, with both donors and recipients recovering well.
Speaking at a press briefing to commemorate the launch of the hospital’s kidney transplant program, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga praised the achievement, calling it a “giant leap for local renal care.”
He was accompanied by Acting CEO Ms. Zeinab Gura and Chairperson of the Board of Directors Senator Kembi Gitura.
The launch follows three years of intensive groundwork to establish a full-fledged renal transplant centre. This included training medical staff at Apollo Hospital in India, acquiring state-of-the-art surgical equipment, and forming strategic partnerships.
The inaugural surgeries were carried out in collaboration with a team from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), who will continue mentoring the KUTRRH team.
Dr. Oluga emphasized the importance of building self-sustaining specialized health services in Kenya.
“This is a landmark in strengthening our capacity to offer world-class care locally,” he said.
One more transplant pair is ready for surgery, while eight additional donor-recipient pairs are undergoing evaluation.
The procedures were made possible through support from the Social Health Authority (SHA), easing financial pressure on patients and aligning with Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda.
With this milestone, KUTRRH is positioning itself as a rising hub for renal care and complex surgeries in the region.
