Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret set a record in Kenya’s health care by successfully performing the country’s first-ever renal artery bypass surgery.
The complex procedure was conducted on June 24, 2025, by a team of specialists from the hospital’s Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Unit, led by Dr. Stephen Takow.
The surgery was performed on a 20-year-old female patient diagnosed with renovascular hypertension caused by severe narrowing of the arteries supplying blood to her kidneys. After determining that less invasive options like angioplasty and stenting were not suitable, the surgical team opted for the bypass procedure.
The surgery involves grafting a blood vessel—either from the patient or a synthetic graft—to bypass the blocked renal artery, thereby restoring normal blood flow to the kidneys.
Hospital CEO Phillip Kirwa confirmed the successful outcome of the surgery. “The groundbreaking surgery went very well. It was successful, and she is recuperating well and has been discharged,” he said.
Dr. Kirwa described the successful operation as a big leap in specialised healthcare delivery. He noted that the achievement reflects MTRH’s commitment to surgical innovation and to expanding access to advanced medical procedures within Kenya.
MTRH has made significant progress in delivering cutting-edge care in recent years. The renal artery bypass adds to a growing list of specialised procedures the hospital has successfully introduced, further strengthening its reputation as a regional hub for medical excellence.
Dr. Kirwa also confirmed that the procedures are fully covered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) and credited the government for supporting public hospitals and making healthcare more accessible.
“That’s why we urge Kenyans to register with SHA, which covers most of the many complex procedures we undertake at MTRH,” he noted.
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