The Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has issued a statement addressing concerns raised by a patient regarding a failed kidney transplant performed at the hospital.

The patient, diagnosed with kidney failure in 2022, had been undergoing regular haemodialysis treatment at a private facility before being referred to KNH. 

She underwent surgery at the hospital’s Transplant Unit in February 2025, but the kidney failed to function. 

In the wake of the failed transplant, the patient and her family reported the matter to Capitol Hill Police Station, seeking answers from the facility.

In a statement on Monday, August 11, KNH said it was aware of media reports about the case and provided an account of the events.

"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). The patient was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2022 and underwent regular haemodialysis treatment at a private facility. 

"From August 2024, she attended the transplant clinic in KNH with her brother to prepare for kidney transplantation. She received preparation for the procedure professional counselling, clinical and multidisciplinary team evaluation in preparation for the procedure," the statement read.

KNH explained that both the donor and recipient had undergone all required checks before being scheduled for surgery.

However, the hospital said the transplanted organ did not start working as expected after the operation.

"On completion of the necessary pre-transplant investigations and processes, the pair were scheduled and subsequently admitted to the Transplant Unit for the procedure that was conducted on 12th February 2025.

"After surgery, the transplanted kidney did not start functioning. The post-transplant assessment showed reduced blood flow to the kidney," the statement added.

As a result, KNH says doctors carried out an urgent follow-up procedure in line with global medical practice to remove 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. 

"Laboratory analysis confirmed that the loss was due to a blood clot in the transplanted kidney — a recognized but rare complication in kidney transplantation," the statement further read.

According to KNH, the donor made a full recovery and was discharged under routine monitoring, while the recipient was placed back on dialysis.

"The male donor recovered well and was discharged on routine follow-up. The female recipient continued treatment and was discharged on 5th March 2025, with a plan to resume dialysis and attend regular follow-up appointments.

"She was reviewed at the transplant clinic on 11th March 2025 and advised on further follow-up," the statement concluded.