Kenyatta National Hospital has issued a detailed clarification on a kidney transplant case involving a woman and her brother after reports emerged of post-surgery complications.

In a statement on Monday, KNH CEO William Sigilai said the woman had been diagnosed with kidney failure in 2022 and had been on regular haemodialysis at a private facility.

She and her brother began attending the hospital’s transplant clinic in August 2024 for preparation, including counselling, clinical reviews, and multidisciplinary 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). The patient was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2022 and underwent regular haemodialysis treatment at a private facility,” Sigilai said.

He said the transplant was conducted on February 12, 2025, after all pre-transplant investigations and processes were completed. However, the kidney did not function as expected, with post-surgery checks showing reduced blood flow.

“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.

A laboratory analysis confirmed a blood clot in the transplanted kidney,  a rare but recognised complication in kidney transplantation.

The brother, who donated the kidney, recovered and was discharged on March 5, 2025, while the woman resumed dialysis and continued regular follow-up visits. Her last review at the transplant clinic was on March 11, 2025.

KNH said it conducted 22 kidney transplants in the 2024–2025 financial year, 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.

Sigilai acknowledged the family’s disappointment and reassured the hospital’s commitment to high-quality care. “KNH remains committed to delivering quality, specialized healthcare to all our patients,” he said.