Uasin Gishu forms committee to guide, monitor organ transplants

Uasin Gishu County Chief Officer for Clinical Services Ambrose Tarus speaking during the establishment of the ethics committee on organ transplant services/HANDOUT

The Uasin Gishu government has formed a committee to guide and monitor organ transplant operations and services across the county.

The move follows controversy over organ transplant activities involving several hospitals in Eldoret. The government last year formed a task force to probe the matter following allegations of illegal sale of organs, particularly kidneys.

Mediheal Hospital, owned by former Kesses MP Swarrup Mishra, was at the centre of the saga. Mishwra, however debied any wrongdoing.

Uasin Gishu chief officer for clinical services Ambrose Tarus emphasised the importance of community engagement in dispelling myths, addressing fears, and building trust in transplant services.

He urged healthcare workers to collaborate with community health promoters to educate residents on the importance, safety, and ethical safeguards of organ donation.

“The inauguration of the Technical Ethics Committee establishes a key body mandated to oversee ethical compliance in transplant procedures,” Tarus said.

“Committee members must uphold the highest standards of governance guided by the four cardinal principles of medical ethics: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.”

Tarus said ethical vigilance is non-negotiable, particularly amid global concerns over organ trafficking and exploitation.

He referenced the Istanbul Declaration, which condemns organ trafficking, transplant tourism, and the commercialisation of human organs.

“Our systems must be transparent and accountable. Transplantation should restore life, not compromise dignity,” he said.

The event brought together healthcare stakeholders from St. Luke’s Hospital, Oak Tree Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, and Moi University, signalling a unified regional commitment to ethical transplant services.

Tarus expressed optimism that Eldoret could become a regional model for ethical transplantation through collaboration, shared standards, and strengthened accountability frameworks.

He noted that partnerships among hospitals, academia, and regulatory bodies would be key to positioning the region as a benchmark for safe and transparent transplant services across East Africa.

As transplant services continue to expand in Eldoret, the county leadership emphasised adherence to ethical governance, community sensitisation, and zero tolerance for exploitation.

“The measures we will enforce through this committee will help define the future of organ transplantation in the region,” Tarus said.

He also encouraged the public to utilise renal services at Ziwa Sub-County Hospital while calling on healthcare providers to intensify public awareness campaigns on organ donation and transplantation.

“The Ziwa facility is equipped to offer life-changing renal services. Our responsibility now is to ensure the community understands and trusts the system,” Tarus said.