Members of Parliament have recommended that the government immediately lift all suspensions and sanctions imposed on Mediheal, St. Luke’s, and Oak Tree Centre hospitals following an intense investigation into allegations of organ harvesting. The Departmental Committee on Health tabled its report on Wednesday, concluding a probe that lasted nearly a year after finding no evidence of ethical violations in the hospitals’ kidney transplant procedures.
The inquiry began in April 2025 after Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale ordered the suspension of transplant services at the facilities due to claims of professional misconduct. The committee, led by lawmaker James Nyikal, spent months investigating the alleged breaches but ultimately cleared the institutions of any wrongdoing.
In its final recommendations, the committee urged for the full restoration of Mediheal’s operations. This move also clears two other Eldoret-based facilities: St. Luke’s Orthopaedic and Trauma Hospital and Oak Tree Centre for Kidney and Chronic Disease, which had both been caught up in the lengthy investigation. The lifting of these sanctions allows the hospitals to resume providing critical specialized care to the public.
Despite clearing the hospitals of ethical misconduct, lawmakers have maintained restrictions on organ transplant licenses, calling for sweeping reforms in how Kenya regulates these services. The committee specified that while general operational suspensions should be lifted for Mediheal, St. Luke’s, and Oak Tree Centre, the specific permits required for organ transplants will remain suspended for now.
“Any sanctions placed on the Mediheal Group of hospitals, St. Luke’s Orthopaedic and Trauma Hospital, and Oak Tree Centre for Kidney and Chronic Disease, including suspension of licenses, be lifted, with the exception of licenses related to organ transplants,” the report read in part.
The committee proposed enacting a comprehensive law to govern the transplant of blood, cells, and organs. This framework would include the establishment of a National Organ Transplant Authority, a national registry, and a transparent system for organ allocation.
Furthermore, the lawmakers urged the Ministry of Health to fast-track new regulations under the Health Act and strengthen oversight agencies. They stressed the need for a national transplant policy that aligns with international standards and supports the country’s universal health coverage goals, ensuring that future procedures remain transparent and accountable.
To ensure the long-term integrity of the sector, the committee further recommended creating a joint inspection framework among regulatory bodies. This collaborative approach aims to streamline oversight and prevent future lapses. Lawmakers also called for a significant increase in funding for transplant infrastructure and the expansion of specialized training programs for medical professionals.
Specifically, the committee urged the National Treasury to prioritize funding for the East Africa Centre of Excellence in Urology and Nephrology at Kenyatta National Hospital. By investing in this center, the government can boost local capacity and ensure a steady pipeline of homegrown specialists.
To address the current shortage of experts, the report called on both the Ministry of Health and county governments to develop a national human resource strategy and increase investment in public health facilities.
Lawmakers also looked toward improving patient access by recommending a review of transplant coverage under the Social Health Authority. To support these structural changes, the committee suggested a nationwide public awareness campaign to promote organ donation and address common cultural and religious concerns.
