About 3.1 Million Kenyans Living with Chronic Kidney Disease, Health Ministry Warns

Approximately 3.1 million Kenyans are living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), a growing public health concern largely driven by the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as Hypertension and Diabetes, the Ministry of Health (Kenya) has said.

Speaking during the national commemoration of World Kidney Day at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said non-communicable diseases currently account for about 43 per cent of all deaths in Kenya.

The CS said the government is strengthening prevention, early diagnosis and management of kidney disease through improved screening and treatment programmes.

“The government is prioritising preventive and promotive health services, with greater emphasis on routine screening for blood pressure and blood glucose at community and primary healthcare levels,” Duale said, noting that early detection can significantly reduce complications linked to kidney disease.

He added that access to specialised kidney care is expanding under the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has processed more than Sh104 billion in healthcare claims to support essential services including dialysis, nephrectomy and kidney transplantation.

According to the ministry, partnerships with accredited health facilities are also being strengthened to expand access to transplant services. Patients can now undergo kidney transplantation at Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi under SHA-approved benefit packages.

To enhance governance and ethical oversight in organ donation and transplantation, the ministry has established an independent review committee following concerns raised last year. It is also developing a National Transplant Registry aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the transplant programme.

The government is further investing in specialised training and infrastructure through initiatives such as the East Africa Centre of Excellence in Urology and Nephrology, while additional renal units are being established across counties to increase access to kidney care services.

Duale said the forthcoming Kenya National Guidelines for Kidney Diseases 2026 will help standardise the quality of kidney care nationwide, supported by integrated health data systems under the government’s Digital Superhighway initiative.

The ministry also urged Kenyans to adopt healthier lifestyles to reduce the risk of kidney disease and other non-communicable conditions. Recommended measures include regular medical check-ups, physical activity, adequate hydration and reduced salt intake.

The event was attended by Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth, Kenyatta National Hospital Chief Executive Officer Richard Lesiyampe, Kenya Renal Association Chairperson Jonathan Wala, and Director of the Kenya National Blood Transfusion and Transplant Services Martin Sirengo, among other health sector leaders and stakeholders.