Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Bare Duale has today Friday 25th April,2025, inaugurated the investigative committee on organ trafficking in the country.
According to Duale who was Speaking during the event at Afya House, the team has only three months to complete their task.
“The minister has given you up to three months for up to 22nd of July, 2025 to complete your investigation and submit a detailed report with a concrete recommendation,” he said.
Additionally, they will not only dwell in investigating allegations of organ trafficking at Mediheal Hospital but also in other health institutions across the country.
Duale insists the teams needs to uncover truth behind the saddening trafficking allegation.
“We are not interested in optics or bureaucratic posturing. We are interested in the truth, transparency, and transformative justice,” he added.
According to a gazette notice issued by the Ministry on April 23, the committee will comprise 13 members chaired by Prof. Elizabeth Bukusi and supported by a secretariat of three appointees.
Other members include; Dr Jonathan Ameyo, Prof Ahmed Sokwala, Dr Prexedes Okutoyi, Dr Patrick Mburugu, Dr Noelle Orata, Dr Ann Barasa, Dr Diviner Nyarera, Dr Wendy Kimbui, Sarah Bonaya, Dr Charles Kandie, Joseph Ndirangu, and Larica Onam while the Joint secretaries include Dr Stella Kanja, Reuben Tulei and Jedidah Oduor
This comes following an exposé by German media outlet Deutsche Welle (DW) over allegations of Kidney trafficking against Mediheal Hospital.
The hospital however refuted claims terming them as untrue noting they are not involved in any criminal activity.
“We are not involved in any organ trafficking or taking part in any syndicate, we are not involved in any criminal enterprise related to issues of kidney transplants,” the facility’s lawyer, Katwa Kigen said.
Duale is now expecting the taskforce to investigate possible organ trafficking, coercion, unethical marching, and violation of national and international laws on organ transplant.
“We expect you (the committee) to review all the relevant documents, donor-recipient consent forms, and governance system for the past five years,” Duale stated.
They are also required to review the Kenya’s policy, legal, and ethical frameworks governing the organ and tissue transplant services in our country.
