The move follows claims of intimidation and coercion by hospitals implicated in the scandal.
The committee, chaired by Prof Elizabeth Bukusi, is holding public hearings this week in Eldoret, where locals are encouraged to testify.
Prof Elizabeth Bukusi, chairperson of the Independent Investigative Committee on Organ Transplant Services, addresses the press at Eldoret Social Hall in Uasin Gishu County on the first day of four-day investigations on June 09, 2025.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
Mediheal Hospital, which has been at the center of the allegations, is one of the facilities named in connection with suspicious kidney transplants.
Prof Bukusi said the committee allocated four days for hearings in the region due to the gravity of the claims. On the second day of the hearings at Eldoret West Market Social Hall, she assured the public that all testimonies would be handled confidentially.
“The committee does not anticipate any risks to participants, but if any arise, care will be taken to inform and protect them,” said Prof Bukusi. Some witnesses seeking anonymity claimed pressure from the implicated hospitals to withdraw their evidence and requested to testify in private.
“The matter is very sensitive and I will only give evidence in private,” one witness said after signing a consent form.
The government launched the investigation following claims of kidney trafficking and malpractice in transplant procedures. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale appointed the probe team to review the legal and regulatory framework governing transplant services in Kenya.
The team is also mandated to assess governance, ethics and clinical practices in tissue and organ transplants across health facilities.
So far, the committee has conducted a hearing in Vihiga County and plans to visit nine counties over the next 18 days. Uasin Gishu has been allocated four days due to the seriousness of the allegations.
Public and private testimonies
At the opening of the Eldoret hearings, Prof Bukusi emphasised the importance of allowing both public and private testimonies.
“We have provided a phone number and email so people can reach us and we can make appropriate arrangements,” she said.
The Mediheal Fertility and Transplant Centre in Eldoret has been mentioned in allegations involving kidney transplants for foreign patients. The hospital management has denied any wrongdoing.
Founder of the Mediheal Group of Hospitals Dr Swarup Mishra welcomed the probe and expressed willingness to cooperate.
“We will provide all the material needed for the committee to review the transplants conducted at Mediheal,” he stated.Lawyer Kigen added that the hospital had already submitted relevant documents and would continue to participate in the hearings.
Mediheal Hospital and Fertility Centre in Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu County.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
Earlier, Dr Mishra disclosed that since 2018, the hospital has conducted 476 kidney transplants—371 for Kenyans and 105 for foreigners. He reported a mortality rate of under 10 percent and said the hospital offers discounted rates to local patients as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.
He explained the transplant charges 35,000 US dollars (Sh4.5 million) for foreigners and 25,000 US dollars (Sh3.2 million) for Africans. Dr Mishra noted that while there are no set pricing standards, their operations undergo regular audits by the government and health quality assurance bodies.
Despite being implicated, Medheal has pledged transparency and cooperation.
“We have made our position clear and submitted all documents regarding kidney transplants. Our appearance today confirms our continued commitment to supporting the committee’s work,” said Mr Kigen.
The investigating committee is expected to submit its final report to the Health Cabinet Secretary by July 22. After Uasin Gishu, the team will hold hearings in Bomet, Meru, Kisii, Nakuru, Kisumu, Nairobi and Mombasa.
