Approximately 3.1 million Kenyans are living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), a growing public health challenge largely driven by the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, the Ministry of Health has said.
Speaking during the national World Kidney Day commemoration at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said non-communicable diseases currently account for about 43 percent of all deaths in the country.
Duale said the figures highlight the urgent need to strengthen prevention, early diagnosis, and management of kidney disease across Kenya.
“Approximately 3.1 million Kenyans are living with chronic kidney disease, largely driven by the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes,” Duale said.
“NCDs currently account for about 43 per cent of all deaths in Kenya, underscoring the need to strengthen prevention, early diagnosis and management.”
The Health CS said the government is prioritizing preventive and promotive healthcare services, particularly routine screening for blood pressure and blood glucose at community and primary healthcare levels.
According to the ministry, early detection is critical in reducing complications associated with kidney disease.
Duale also highlighted expanded access to specialized kidney care under the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting that the agency has processed more than Sh104 billion in healthcare claims supporting essential services such as dialysis, nephrectomy, and kidney transplantation.
He said the government is strengthening partnerships with accredited healthcare providers to widen access to transplant services, adding that patients can now receive kidney transplants at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi under SHA-approved benefit packages.
“To strengthen governance and ethical oversight in organ donation and transplantation, the Ministry established an independent review committee following concerns raised last year,” Duale said.
The ministry has also initiated the development of a National Transplant Registry aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and monitoring within the country’s transplant program.
Further investments are being made in specialized training and infrastructure, including through the East Africa Centre of Excellence in Urology and Nephrology, while additional renal units are being established across counties to improve access to kidney care services.
The Health CS also announced that the forthcoming Kenya National Guidelines for Kidney Diseases 2026 will help standardize quality care across the country.
The guidelines will be supported by integrated health data systems under the government’s Digital Superhighway Initiative.
The Ministry urged Kenyans to adopt healthier lifestyles to prevent kidney disease and other non-communicable illnesses.
“We encourage Kenyans to adopt healthy lifestyles including regular medical check-ups, physical activity, adequate hydration and reduced salt consumption,” Duale said.
The event was attended by Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth, Kenyatta National Hospital CEO Richard Lesiyampe, Kenya Renal Association chairperson Jonathan Wala, and Martin Sirengo, among other health sector leaders and stakeholders.
