KNH Gives Clarification On Kidney Transplant Saga
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has confirmed the specifics of a kidney transplant involving a female patient and her brother following allegations of difficulties with the procedure.
KNH CEO William Sigilai stated on Monday that the patient was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2022 and had been receiving regular haemodialysis at a private institution.
In August 2024, she began attending the hospital’s transplant clinic alongside her brother to prepare for the procedure, which included professional counseling, clinical assessments, and interdisciplinary evaluations.
“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),” Sigilai said.
“The patient was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2022 and underwent regular haemodialysis treatment at a private facility.”
According to him, the transplant surgery was performed on February 12, 2025, after all necessary pre-transplant studies and formalities had been completed.
UPDATE on kidney transplant for patient and donor at Kenyatta National Hospital. #KNHInakujali pic.twitter.com/YsgufoBEAp
— Kenyatta National Hospital (@KNH_hospital) August 11, 2025
However, the transplanted kidney did not operate as predicted, with post-operative assessments finding decreased blood supply to the kidney.
“Following international medical protocol, doctors returned the patient to theatre for assessment and, upon finding the kidney was not viable, they removed it to protect her health,” Sigilai stated.
He stated that laboratory investigation revealed a blood clot in the transplanted kidney, which is a rare but well-known complication of kidney transplantation.
The male donor healed and was discharged on March 5, 2025, while the female recipient resumed dialysis and had regular follow-up visits. She was last evaluated at the transplant clinic on March 11, 2025.
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KNH disclosed that in the fiscal year 2024-2025, the hospital performed 22 kidney transplants, with 21 successful outcomes.
“While this complication is uncommon, occurring in up to 8 per cent of cases worldwide, it is a known medical risk in kidney transplantation,” the CEO added.
The CEO acknowledged the family’s grief while assuring them of the company’s commitment to providing great care.
“KNH remains committed to delivering quality, specialized healthcare to all our patients,” he said.
KNH Gives Clarification On Kidney Transplant Saga
