By Reporter
Key stakeholders in the health and security sectors have backed a proposed law seeking to curb illegal organ harvesting and crack down on the black-market trade in human organs.
The stakeholders made the remarks during public hearings on the Blood, Cells, Tissues and Organs Bill, 2026, conducted by the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health.
They described the proposed legislation as a game changer, noting that it will be a major step towards regulating the sector, protecting human life and preventing the illegal commercialisation of donated blood.
The Committee, chaired by Hon. Dr James Nyikal (Seme), received submissions from representatives of public and private sector institutions.
Those who presented their views included the Council of Governors, the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).
Others were Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, the Kenya Medical Association, the Kenya Renal Association and Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies.
“The Council supports the objective of establishing a robust legal framework for the regulation, coordination, safety, quality assurance, ethical management and equitable access to blood transfusion and transplantation services in Kenya,” said Dr Mutakha Kangu, who represented the Council of Governors.
Chief Nephrologist and Head of Department of Transplantation at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Dr Philip Cheptinga, also backed the Bill but proposed amendments to strengthen its provisions.
“The Bill 2026 is 90 per cent excellent. But 90 per cent is not enough when a life is at stake,” said Dr Cheptinga, who is also a lecturer at Moi University School of Medicine.
He said the proposed law required further refinement to address gaps that could undermine the safety and effectiveness of organ transplantation services.
Hon. Nyikal said the Committee would carefully consider the submissions before making its recommendations on the Bill.
He emphasised that patients’ welfare must remain central to efforts to reform the health sector.
