The Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has refuted endless requests from Kenyans wanting to sell their organs to the hospital. Kidneys have been queried as the most precious organ in high demand. KNH clarified on Monday, 20 June 2022 that the sale of kidneys and or any human organ(s) remains illegal in the country, and one can only donate out of free will.

Many countries across the world are in the illicit trade of human organs, with the kidney trade being among the most lucrative clandestine trades, as brokers easily use social media to find donors. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), South Asia is the leading transplant tourism hub globally, with India among the top kidney exporters. 

It is estimated that more than 2,000 Indians sell their kidneys every year, most of which go to foreigners. An alarming surge in renal diseases, diabetes and high blood pressure is driving the global demand for kidneys, which greatly exceeds the legal supply. As a result, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Iran have become the world’s biggest black markets for organs.

Blood plasma, sperms and hair are some of the other organs which fetch a lot of money.