The Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has explained the circumstances surrounding a failed kidney transplant involving a female patient who received an organ from her brother.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 11, KNH said the incident was caused by a rare but recognised medical complication.
According to the hospital, 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,” KNH said.
“She received professional counselling, clinical and multidisciplinary team evaluation in preparation for the procedure.”
The hospital stated that 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 hospital added.
KNH Explains Kidney Transplant Complications After the Patient’s Organ Fails
KNH noted that following international medical protocol, doctors returned the patient to the theatre for assessment. 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,” KNH said.
“While this complication is uncommon, occurring in up to 8% of cases worldwide, it is a known medical risk in kidney transplantation.”
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At the same time, the hospital mentioned that the male donor recovered well and was discharged on routine follow-up.
Additionally, it stated that the female recipient continued treatment and was discharged on March 5, 2025, with a plan to resume dialysis and attend regular follow-up appointments.
She was reviewed at the transplant clinic on March 11, 2025, and advised on further follow-up.
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Patient Seeks Answers on Failed Kidney Transplant
The hospital noted that in the 2024–2025 financial year, it performed 22 kidney transplants, with 21 successful outcomes.
“We understand the disappointment and frustration of the family and remain available to offer further clarification,” KNH said.
“KNH remains committed to delivering quality, specialised healthcare to all our patients.”
This comes after Zamzam Hassan, who received a kidney from her brother Mohammed Rashid, sought answers from her family at Kenyatta National Hospital after the alleged transplant failed under mysterious circumstances.
The family recorded a statement at the Capitol Hill Police Station, Nairobi, on August 10, 2025.
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