Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Leads Kidney Health Drive on World Kidney Day 2026
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) has called for stronger action to prevent and manage kidney disease as the world marks World Kidney Day 2026, emphasizing the urgent need for early detection, patient-centered care, and environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the hospital’s commemoration event under the theme “Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet,” Dr. Philip K. Kirwa, CEO of MTRH, highlighted that kidney disease remains a major public health concern affecting millions globally. He noted that many patients are diagnosed late, which complicates treatment and increases costs.
“Kidney health is a human right, and access to prevention, early diagnosis, and equitable care must be a priority,” said Dr. Kirwa.
Rising Burden of Kidney Disease in Kenya
Health experts at MTRH warned that chronic kidney disease is on the rise across Kenya, affecting all ages in urban and rural areas. Diabetes, hypertension, HIV, and family history are major risk factors for the disease.
To address this growing burden, the hospital is scaling up prevention and early detection programs, particularly targeting high-risk groups, and integrating kidney care into non-communicable disease clinics to ensure comprehensive treatment. Counseling, medication guidance, dietary advice, and psychosocial support are also being strengthened to assist patients and families.
Linking Kidney Health and Environmental Protection
Experts at MTRH stressed that environmental factors—including climate change, water scarcity, pollution, and exposure to agrochemicals—can increase kidney disease risk, especially for outdoor and agricultural workers. Dialysis services, while life-saving, were also noted to have environmental impacts due to high water and energy consumption and biomedical waste generation.
The hospital is working with the Ministry of Health, county authorities, academic institutions, and development partners to improve community screening, early detection, and healthcare worker training. MTRH also advocates for wider access to dialysis and kidney transplants while promoting sustainable healthcare practices.
Seven Strategic Priorities
During the event, MTRH outlined a comprehensive kidney health plan:
Expand prevention and screening in primary care, workplaces, and farms to detect at-risk individuals early.
Invest in workforce training for nephrologists, renal nurses, technicians, and community health workers.
Strengthen data systems with a regional kidney disease registry to guide policy and research.
Improve access to treatment, including equitable dialysis and transplant services.
Promote sustainable renal services with water-saving technologies, solar-powered dialysis, and improved waste management.
Support research into environmental causes and interventions for kidney disease.
Engage communities on risk factors, safe agrochemical use, hydration, heat protection, and early access to care.
Dr. Kirwa pledged to intensify community screening, launch sustainable dialysis studies, and strengthen research partnerships to address locally relevant kidney disease causes.
“Kidney health for all is achievable if we act together,” Dr. Kirwa said. “By protecting both people and the planet, we strengthen the foundations of health and build more just, resilient societies.
World Kidney Day 2026: Two Decades of Action
World Kidney Day 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the global campaign to raise awareness about kidney health. Officially recognized by the World Health Organization in 2025, the day emphasizes the connection between kidney health and planetary health, highlighting how environmental threats such as air pollution, heat stress, dehydration, and extreme weather increase disease risk.
Dr. Cheptinga K. Philip, Chief Nephrologist and Head of Department of Transplantation at MTRH, reiterated: “Kidney disease is a silent condition, often detected late, but it can be prevented through early detection and management of risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Our mission is clear: raise awareness, promote early detection, and prioritize prevention on World Kidney Day and beyond.”
The hospital encouraged everyone—patients, families, healthcare staff, and partners—to participate in the effort, noting that small, practical lifestyle steps, known as the 8 Golden Rules, can significantly reduce the risk of kidney disease.
“Together, we can ensure kidney health is a reality for all—today and for generations to come,” Dr. Kirwa concluded.
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