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Kenyatta University Teaching Research and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH) is set to introduce kidney transplant procedures.

The treatment option is expected to be available in six months when installation of the equipment at the institution will be completed, according to the hospital’s board chairperson Prof Olive Mugenda.

“The hospital is in the process of launching a comprehensive kidney transplant programme,” Prof Mugenda said. “The programme being led by our nephrologists will ensure Kenyans will no longer have to travel outside the country to seek for these services.”

She spoke last Friday while unveiling 20 new dialysis machines acquired by the hospital at a cost of Sh36 million.

Mugenda said the hospital management saw the need for starting the kidney transplant after statistics showed hundreds of Kenyans were seeking the service outside the country at huge costs.

“Most patients do not have to rely on dialysis forever and this is the reason we embarked on launching the transplant program so that we can help many Kenyans with kidney dysfunctions to lead normal lives again,” Mugenda said.

Mugenda said that the transplant costs will be fully catered for by the NHIF adding that Kenyans will access the services without extra charges. “This endeavor is a result of productive discussions with the NHIF, with the goal of ensuring comprehensive coverage for kidney transplants and the subsequent post-transplant care,

“This initiative resonates deeply with our commitment to providing holistic, patient-centered care that spans from medical interventions to long-term well-being,” Prof Mugenda stated.

She noted that the new dialysis machines bring the total number of the machines at the facility to 35 and will see the number of renal patients attended at the hospital rise from 100 to about 300 daily.

“This investment coupled with our continual increase in the number of healthcare professionals including nephrologists, renal nurses, biomedical engineers and nutritionists is a strategic response to these health challenges.

KUTRRH CEO Ahmed Dagane while noting that kidney diseases have become a global health concern, said that the hospital is dedicated to supporting the government’s Universal health coverage and removing barriers to essential medical treatment.