Kenya marked World Kidney Day 2026 with a national celebration held at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Nairobi, bringing together policymakers, kidney specialists and healthcare providers to highlight the urgent need for early detection and modern treatment of kidney disease.
The event, which drew participation from public and private health institutions, focused on this year’s global theme: Kidney Health for All. Health Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale led the national commemoration and emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening kidney care services as cases of chronic kidney disease continue to rise.
In his address, Mr Duale noted that kidney disease has become a growing public health concern, largely driven by non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity.
“Kidney disease often develops silently and many patients only seek treatment when the condition has progressed to advanced stages,” he said. “We must strengthen early screening, invest in modern technologies and ensure access to quality kidney care services across the country.”
He added that the government is working to expand dialysis capacity and improve specialised treatment services through partnerships with healthcare institutions and professional associations.
Kidney specialists attending the event said awareness and early detection remain the most effective tools in reducing complications associated with kidney disease.
Dr John Ngigi, Chairperson of the Kenya Renal Association and a consultant renal and kidney transplant specialist at The Nairobi West Hospital, emphasised the need for Kenyans to prioritise routine kidney screening.
“Many patients do not realise they have kidney disease until the damage is advanced. Early screening, especially for people with diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease, can help detect the condition early and significantly improve outcomes,” he said.
Dr Ngigi also highlighted the role of technology in transforming kidney care in Kenya. He noted that hospitals are increasingly adopting advanced diagnostic tools, artificial intelligence and modern dialysis systems to improve patient outcomes.
Modern imaging technologies are now helping doctors diagnose kidney conditions more accurately and faster than before. At The Nairobi West Hospital, for example, advanced Dual Energy CT (DECT) technology is helping clinicians precisely analyse kidney stones by identifying their mineral composition.
Unlike conventional CT scans, the technology can differentiate between uric acid stones, calcium oxalate stones and mixed stones, allowing doctors to tailor treatment more accurately.
“Understanding the exact composition of a kidney stone allows us to choose the most appropriate treatment and prevent recurrence,” Dr Ngigi explained.
Artificial intelligence is also increasingly being integrated into diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring systems, enabling clinicians to detect abnormalities earlier and improve treatment planning.
Advanced dialysis technologies are also improving quality of care for patients with kidney failure. One such innovation is Hemodiafiltration (HDF), an advanced dialysis technique that combines traditional hemodialysis with hemofiltration to remove a broader range of toxins from the bloodstream.
Compared with conventional dialysis, HDF is known to offer improved cardiovascular stability, reduced inflammation and better long-term outcomes for patients.
Healthcare providers say such innovations are critical as Kenya continues to see a rise in kidney-related illnesses.
Hospitals are also investing in comprehensive screening programmes to detect kidney disease early. At The Nairobi West Hospital, kidney health screening packages now include tests such as urinalysis, kidney function tests, blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing and body mass index assessment.
Experts say these screenings help identify early signs of kidney damage before symptoms appear.
Medical professionals at the World Kidney Day event urged Kenyans to adopt healthier lifestyles to protect their kidney health. This includes controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, reducing salt intake, staying physically active and undergoing routine medical check-ups.
As Kenya marked World Kidney Day, stakeholders emphasised that technology, early detection and stronger healthcare systems will be key in tackling the growing burden of kidney disease.
With the integration of artificial intelligence, advanced imaging technologies and modern dialysis treatments, experts say the future of kidney care in Kenya is steadily improving — offering hope for better diagnosis, smarter treatment and improved patient outcomes.