Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Chideraejemeka
Published on 2024-03-27 13:29:28
The kidney trade in Kenya is a dark and disturbing reality that involves exploiting poverty and unemployment among young men to meet the black-market demand for organs. In a recent case, 30-year-old Joseph Japiny from Oyugis town in Homa Bay County became a victim of this trade. He agreed to sell one of his kidneys for just under $1,000 and a motorbike, which he intended to use as a boda boda (motorbike taxi) to earn a living.
Japiny was recruited by a broker named Jadhot, who promised him a down payment of $984 and another $984 in the form of a Boxer motorcycle in exchange for his kidney. After undergoing tests at a private clinic in Eldoret, Japiny went through a kidney removal surgery and was provided with accommodation and regular check-ups for several weeks. Following the surgery, he received his motorbike and was sent on his way.
The kidney trade in Kenya has been a subject of media reports since 2019, highlighting the illicit harvesting of organs and the exploitation of vulnerable young men. Many of these men come from low-income families and are enticed by the prospect of cash, ranging from $2,000 to $5,077 for a kidney. Despite the risks involved, including high blood pressure and kidney failure, they are often unaware of the long-term consequences.
Local brokers in rural areas of western Kenya recruit these vulnerable individuals, connecting them to agents in cities like Eldoret who facilitate the organ trafficking process. Clinics and private hospitals in Eldoret are reportedly key players in this illicit trade, where Indian doctors conduct the surgeries and provide post-operative care. Minders oversee the victims and manage their travel and accommodation, while the harvested kidneys are supplied through the black market in India.
The existing legal framework in Kenya does not explicitly outlaw the illicit trade of organs, creating a loophole that allows for the illegal harvesting, storage, and transportation of kidneys. While the Health Act of 2017 imposes penalties for organ harvesting and trafficking, including fines and prison terms, there is a lack of specific provisions to address the issue of individuals selling their organs for financial gain.
To combat this illegal trade, the authorities must close legal gaps and enforce clear regulations to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Ongoing oversight of medical facilities and professionals is essential to ensure compliance with ethical practices related to organ removal, transfer, and transplant operations in the country.
The story of Joseph Japiny sheds light on the disturbing reality of the kidney trade in Kenya and underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to end this exploitative practice. By raising awareness, enforcing regulations, and providing support to vulnerable individuals, the government and civil society can work together to eradicate this illicit trade and protect the well-being of its people.
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