Hundreds of Kisumu residents and healthcare workers took to the streets Thursday to mark World Kidney Day, highlighting the growing burden of kidney disease in the country. Led by Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) CEO Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, the event featured an awareness walk and free kidney screenings.
The procession, which began at Aga Khan Hospital at 10 a.m., wound through the Central Business District (CBD) to Kondele before returning, with participants carrying placards and chanting slogans aligned with this year’s theme: “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health.” The campaign aimed to promote early detection, awareness of risk factors, and preventive measures against kidney disease.
Kidney Disease Cases Surge in Kenya
The Ministry of Health estimates that 1.8 million Kenyans suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD), with projections indicating it could become the fifth leading cause of premature deaths globally by 2040.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Florentius Ndinya, a consultant nephrologist at JOOTRH, emphasized the urgency of early detection and treatment, calling for more Kenyans to consider kidney donation to help address the crisis.
“Early detection is critical in preventing kidney failure. We are also encouraging people to consider kidney donation, as it remains the most effective treatment for those in end-stage renal failure,” Dr. Ndinya stated.
Younger Patients Now on Dialysis
Dr. Ndinya raised concern over an alarming rise in kidney disease among young and middle-aged Kenyans, with many in their 30s, 40s, and 50s already undergoing dialysis.
“This is a working-age population, and the increasing dialysis dependency is a worrying trend,” he warned.
He acknowledged past challenges, including equipment shortages last year, but said the hospital’s recent elevation to Level 6 status has expanded its capacity. This upgrade will enable JOOTRH to recruit more nephrologists and specialized nurses while offering advanced kidney treatments beyond dialysis.
“We are expanding services to include plasma exchange therapy for patients with neurological and hematological conditions, as well as sickle cell disease, which is prevalent in this region,” he added.
Mass Screening Draws Residents
Residents turned up in large numbers for the free kidney screenings, which targeted 100 to 200 people daily.
Yvonne Akoth, a Kisumu resident, said she had been experiencing persistent back and abdominal pain but had relied on painkillers. Learning about the screening event at JOOTRH prompted her to seek medical evaluation.
Jared Gilo Opul said he discovered the free screening through a local TV advert and decided to take the opportunity to check his kidney health.
“Many people assume they are fine, but organ failure can be silent. I wanted to be sure about my health,” Opul said.
The campaign is set to continue, with healthcare officials urging Kenyans to undergo regular kidney check-ups and adopt preventive measures against kidney disease.
