Kitale Emerges as Regional Kidney Care Hub as WKTRH Unveils State-of-the-Art Dialysis Unit

 Thousands of kidney patients across North Rift, Western Kenya and neighbouring counties are set to benefit from improved access to specialized renal treatment following a major expansion of the renal unit at Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital (WKTRH) in Kitale.

The facility has significantly increased its dialysis capacity through the acquisition of advanced renal equipment donated by partners from Germany, a move expected to reduce the burden on patients who have for years travelled long distances to seek treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret.

Speaking during an inspection of the new facility, County Health Administrative Officer Rose Wangila said the investment marks a major milestone in the county's quest to provide affordable, quality and specialized healthcare services.

"The hospital is now equipped with the latest Hemodiafiltration (HDF) machines, representing the newest technology in blood purification. This specialized therapy offers better treatment outcomes by removing a wider range of toxins than conventional dialysis," Wangila said.

She noted that once fully operational, the renal unit will provide comprehensive kidney care services including hemodialysis, renal patient monitoring, supportive care and specialized clinical consultations for patients suffering from both acute and chronic kidney diseases.

According to Wangila, the expanded unit will transform Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital into one of the leading renal treatment centres in East and Central Africa.

"This facility is poised to become a regional hub for specialized renal care. It will significantly ease pressure on national referral hospitals while bringing life-saving services closer to residents of Trans Nzoia and neighbouring counties," she added.

She praised Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya for prioritizing investment in healthcare, saying the county administration had demonstrated a strong commitment to improving medical services for over 1.5 million residents.

"The Governor's commitment reflects his determination to ensure that residents receive quality healthcare without travelling long distances," Wangila said.

Chief Nursing Officer Jedidah Wamalwa revealed that the hospital has expanded from only five dialysis machines to 20 modern machines through the county government's intervention.

"We previously operated with only five dialysis beds and machines at Kitale County Hospital. Thanks to the personal intervention of Governor George Natembeya, we now have 20 dialysis machines," she said.

She explained that due to the available space, the hospital will initially operate 13 machines capable of handling at least 26 dialysis sessions every day, with plans to expand operations as more space becomes available.

Besides the dialysis machines, the hospital has also received a state-of-the-art water treatment plant, a critical component that ensures purified water required for safe dialysis procedures.

Wamalwa thanked WKTRH Board Chairman Professor Ferdinand Nang'ole for his leadership in supporting the hospital's transformation and ensuring medical personnel have a conducive environment to deliver quality healthcare.

She further urged members of the public to embrace healthy lifestyles and preventive measures against kidney disease by drinking adequate amounts of clean water and seeking early medical screening.

Residents welcomed the development, saying it would save families enormous transport costs and reduce the emotional and financial burden associated with seeking treatment outside the county.

Ronald Wanjala, whose wife has been receiving dialysis treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, described the new facility as a life-changing investment.

"The upgrade will significantly improve access to dialysis services. Patients will no longer endure exhausting journeys to Eldoret or spend long hours waiting for treatment. This is a huge relief for many families," he said.

He commended Governor Natembeya, Professor Nang'ole, the county medical team and the German partners whose support made the project possible.

With the expanded renal unit now boasting 24 dialysis machines in total—up from just five previously—the hospital is expected to eliminate overcrowded treatment schedules and improve access to life-saving kidney care.

Patients from Kitale, Kipsongo and neighbouring counties will now be able to receive specialized hemodialysis, renal monitoring and consultation services closer to home, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of healthcare services in Trans Nzoia County.