JOOTRH to pioneer kidney transplants in Western Kenya

KENYA—Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) is set to transform kidney care in Western Kenya through a landmark partnership with Egypt’s Alameda Hospital.

This collaboration, soon to be formalized by a Memorandum of Collaboration, will not only establish JOOTRH as a kidney transplant center but also advance cardiology services and workforce development in the region.

Discussions have already taken place involving Alameda Hospital’s leadership and are supported by key figures from Kenyatta National Hospital, signaling a strong foundation for this initiative.

Currently, JOOTRH’s renal care unit provides dialysis to over 60 patients, with immediate plans to expand this capacity to 100.

However, the demand for dialysis continues to grow, with projections indicating that more than 350 patients in the region will require this life-sustaining treatment.

Recognizing this challenge, JOOTRH is prioritizing the establishment of a kidney transplant program as a long-term, sustainable solution for patients with end-stage kidney disease.

To support these ambitions, the hospital has recently acquired advanced Hemodiafiltration (HDF) dialysis machines, placing it among the top facilities in Kenya to offer this modern technology.

With the commissioning of seven new HDF machines, JOOTRH has become the only provider of this advanced dialysis in Western Kenya, joining the ranks of Kenyatta National Hospital and Nairobi Hospital.

The hospital currently operates 20 dialysis machines and plans to increase this number to 50 through a partnership with the Ministry of Health and private sector partners. This will significantly expand access to dialysis for patients in need.

Despite these advancements, the primary focus remains on launching the kidney transplant program.

According to JOOTRH CEO Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, the hospital aims to perform its first kidney transplants by the end of the year, describing this as a “game changer” that will provide patients with a more permanent and cost-effective alternative to ongoing dialysis.

 Training opportunities for JOOTRH staff further strengthen the initiative through Alameda Academy and the creation of professional exchange programs.

The hospital is also working to address staff shortages by seeking additional support from state corporations and has garnered backing from the Kenya Renal Nurses Association, which is organizing an AV fistula camp ahead of its annual conference.

In addition to its clinical advancements, JOOTRH has recently achieved parastatal status, prompting a renewed commitment to high standards of patient care, customer service, and innovation.

The hospital’s leadership emphasizes the importance of maintaining these standards as it strives to match global leaders in healthcare delivery.

This comprehensive approach—combining expanded dialysis capacity, the introduction of kidney transplants, professional development, and a focus on innovation—positions JOOTRH as a regional leader in kidney care.

Ultimately, the goal is to make life-saving kidney transplants affordable and accessible to all who need them in Western Kenya, marking a significant step forward in healthcare for the region.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and beyond. Also, follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.