Health experts have raised concern over the rising cases of chronic kidney diseases in the country, largely driven by the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes.
The Ministry of Health reports that approximately 3.1 million Kenyans are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Health and Sanitation Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale, said that Non- communicable diseases account for about 43 per cent of all deaths in Kenya, underscoring the need to strengthen prevention, early diagnosis and management of kidney disease.
Speaking during the World Kidney Day celebrations at Bungoma County Referral Hospital (BCRH) on Thursday March 12, 2026, the hospital’s Medical Superintendent Dr.Simon Kisaka warned that the raising non- communicable diseases (NCDs) and self-medication are significantly contributing to kidney complications among many patients.
Further, Dr. Kisaka cautioned that many people only seek medical attention when the disease has progressed to advanced stages, urging the public to embrace regular health screenings, proper medication under professional guidance and healthier lifestyles to prevent kidney damage.
“Most of the people realize late that they have kidney disease that is why as a hospital we have taken up the mandate to create awareness about this silent disease that affects millions in the country,” Dr. Kisaka said, adding that chronic kidney disease can be easily prevented.
He added, “As much as chronic kidney disease is on the rise because of hypertension, diabetes and HIV but it can also be easily be prevented.”
He cited proper hydration, exercise (walking every day), eating a balanced diet that is less in salt and less refined foods as some of the strategies to fighting chronic kidney disease.
Dr. Kisaka warned the public to stop buying unprescribed medication from the counters saying that they also increase the risk of chronic kidney diseases.
“Another mistake that many people make is purchasing medicines without the doctors’ instructions that also increases the risk of developing kidney diseases,” Dr. Kisaka stated.
To help address the growing cases of chronic kidney diseases, he affirmed that Bungoma County referral hospital has a team that is offering screening to all who visit the facility for the services.
“Many people come here to clinics for nutrition, advice, health education, blood sugar, pressure, and check- ups,” he said.
He also encouraged the public to visit the facility for kidney screening for early management.
Hesbon Kisiero, the nurse in charge of the renal unit at Bungoma County Referral Hospital (BCRH), said the facility currently operates five Belco dialysis machines that serve kidney patients from across the wider Western region.
The machines, he noted, have helped improve access to life-saving dialysis services for patients who previously had to travel to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) and Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) for dialysis services.
Kisiero explained that the renal unit handles a significant number of patients every month, with between 30 and 40 patients undergoing dialysis at the facility on a regular basis.
Most of the patients require dialysis sessions at least twice a week to help manage their condition and maintain stable kidney function.
He further noted that the cost of dialysis, which has traditionally been a major burden for many families, is now largely covered under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The coverage has eased the financial strain on patients and enabled more people suffering from kidney disease to access consistent treatment at the hospital.
