By Timothy Nzai | March 13, 2026
About 3.1 million people in Kenya are currently living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), a growing health concern largely linked to the increasing cases of non-communicable diseases such as Hypertension and Diabetes, according to the Ministry of Health (Kenya).
Speaking during the national World Kidney Day celebrations held at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said non-communicable diseases account for about 43 percent of deaths in Kenya.
Duale emphasized the need to strengthen prevention, early screening and proper management of kidney disease to reduce the burden on the healthcare system.
He noted that the government is prioritising preventive and promotive healthcare services, encouraging Kenyans to regularly check their blood pressure and blood sugar levels at community and primary healthcare facilities so kidney complications can be detected early.
The CS also said access to specialised kidney treatment is improving through the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has already processed more than KSh104 billion in healthcare claims, supporting services such as dialysis, nephrectomy and kidney transplant procedures.
According to the ministry, transplant services are also expanding through partnerships with accredited hospitals. Patients can now access kidney transplant procedures at Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi under benefit packages approved by SHA.
To improve transparency and oversight in organ donation and transplantation, the ministry established an independent review committee following concerns raised last year. Plans are also underway to create a National Transplant Registry to strengthen monitoring and accountability in transplant services.
The government is also investing in training and medical infrastructure to improve kidney care. Key initiatives include the establishment of the East Africa Centre of Excellence in Urology and Nephrology and the expansion of renal units in various counties to bring treatment closer to patients.
In addition, the upcoming Kenya National Guidelines for Kidney Diseases 2026 will help standardise kidney care across the country. These reforms will be supported by improved digital health systems under the Digital Superhighway Initiative.
The Ministry of Health also urged Kenyans to adopt healthy lifestyles, including regular medical check-ups, frequent exercise, adequate water intake and reduced salt consumption to prevent kidney disease and other non-communicable illnesses.
The event was attended by several health sector leaders including Patrick Amoth, Director-General for Health; Richard Lesiyampe, CEO of Kenyatta National Hospital; Jonathan Wala, Chairperson of the Kenya Renal Association; and Martin Sirengo, Director of the Kenya National Blood Transfusion and Transplant Services, alongside other stakeholders in the health sector.
