Kenyan Mps Push New Law to Allow Harvesting Body Parts:
Kenyans might soon encounter a new legal framework allowing the donation of organs and tissues from deceased relatives, as proposed by the Human Tissue and Organ Transplantation Bill, 2024, introduced by MP Mark Muriithi Mwenje from Embakasi West.
This bill seeks to regulate the transplantation of human organs and tissues, aiming to save lives through increased organ availability while also tackling the illegal trade in body parts. The legislation would permit individuals to decide if their organs could be harvested after death, or if not, allow close relatives to give consent, thereby potentially increasing the supply of organs for those in dire medical need.
However, the bill has not been without its detractors. Critics argue that Kenya has already become a hub for human body part trafficking, pointing to recent high-profile cases like the Shakahola cult, where organ harvesting is suspected to have occurred among other atrocities. Moreover, the so-called ‘Eastleigh killer’ incidents and the alarming rate of femicides in the country have fueled speculation that these crimes might be linked to a black market for organs.
These critics fear that the new law, instead of curbing illegal activities, might inadvertently facilitate them by possibly providing a legal cover for illicit organ harvesting under the guise of regulated medical procedures.
The proposed legislation comes with strict regulations to ensure ethical practices, including severe penalties for violations, with fines up to Kshs 10 million or imprisonment for up to 10 years. It also outlines who can provide consent in the absence of the deceased’s wishes, prioritizing family members like spouses, parents, or the eldest child. Despite these safeguards, the debate continues on how effectively the bill can be implemented to prevent exploitation, given the backdrop of Kenya’s recent history with organ trafficking concerns.
Question:
Do You Support This New Bill?
