KNH Advances Kidney Transplants with Innovative Technology to Reduce Rejection
Kenyatta National Hospital employs plasma exchange technology to lower kidney transplant rejection risk, enhancing patient outcomes and expanding transplant services.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 21, 2026
3 min read
At Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), advanced technology is transforming kidney transplant procedures, significantly reducing the risk of organ rejection among patients with high antibody levels.
Technology Enhances Transplant Success
A key innovation is the plasma exchange machine, which removes harmful antibodies from patients’ blood prior to transplantation. This process lowers the likelihood that the recipient’s immune system will attack the donated kidney.
Eileen Sagwe, a renal nurse at KNH, explains that some patients carry antibodies that identify the new kidney as foreign, increasing rejection risk. The plasma exchange procedure "washes" these antibodies away, improving transplant compatibility.
Comprehensive Pre-Transplant Evaluation
Kidney transplantation at KNH involves thorough assessments to ensure both donor and recipient safety. Compatibility tests, health evaluations, and multidisciplinary consultations precede surgery. Donors must be related or emotionally connected to recipients, with legal documentation required.
Multi-Functional Plasma Exchange Machine
Besides plasma exchange, the machine also supports hemodialysis and critical care patients by managing fluid levels and clearing waste, making it a versatile tool for severe cases beyond transplantation.
Progress in Kidney Care
The hospital has performed over 300 kidney transplants and is expanding services to include liver transplants. Modern, portable dialysis machines now provide more efficient treatment compared to older bulky equipment.
Addressing Kidney Disease Risk Factors
Hypertension and diabetes remain leading causes of kidney disease in Kenya. Sagwe urges regular health screenings to detect these conditions early and cautions against stopping medication prematurely, as uncontrolled hypertension can silently damage kidneys.
Prevention and Screening
Routine checks such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and urine tests are vital for early detection. Sagwe emphasizes, "Prevention is better than treatment," encouraging Kenyans to prioritize health screenings even when asymptomatic.
KNH's Expanded Surgical Capacity
KNH has increased its operating theatres from 12 to 32 in four years, reducing surgical wait times significantly. Emergency surgeries now occur within 24 hours, while planned operations take about two weeks, improving overall patient care.
The hospital has also upgraded diagnostic and cancer treatment facilities, acquiring advanced CT scanners and radiotherapy machines, further enhancing specialized care.
Growing Burden of Kidney Disease
According to Kenya’s Ministry of Health, approximately 3.1 million Kenyans live with chronic kidney disease (CKD), driven mainly by hypertension and diabetes. Globally, an estimated 674 million people are affected, with many in low- and middle-income countries lacking access to early diagnosis and treatment.
Early detection and consistent management remain critical to reducing CKD complications and improving transplant outcomes at KNH.
