Director of Medical services Francis Kimani (right) and KCB Foundation officials Catherine Kola and Catherine Kimura cut a cake to mark World Kidney Day at Uhuru Park, Nairobi, Thursday. [PHOTO: David Njaaga/STANDARD]

By ISAAC MESO

Medical experts have raised concern over the increasing cases of kidney related diseases in the country.

The experts say this has been as a result of increase in the number of people suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity, which often give rise to kidney diseases.

They also note that the cost of renal dialysis and transplant is still beyond the reach of most Kenyans and the situation has been worsened by acute shortage of kidney specialists and renal centres.

According to the Kenya Renal Association, Chronic Kidney Disease(CKD) is expected to increase by 17 per cent over the next decade if countries don’t start treating it as a global public health issue.

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Speaking during celebrations to mark the 9th World Kidney Day at Uhuru Park yesterday, Director of Medical Services Francis Kimani said the Government would partner with the private sector to provide subsidised dialysis and transplants to kidney patients.

“Currently, there is a huge unmet need for renal care in the country. The Government has embarked on training personnel and it is also collaborating with county governments to up renal centres within provincial hospitals,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Kenya Renal Association Chairperson Seth Mcligeyo reiterated the need for stepping up public awareness campaigns on kidney diseases.

“This year’s theme focuses on Chronic Kidney Disease and aging. This is because as one goes older, they become more susceptible to contracting  kidney diseases,” said Prof Mcligeyo.

Kenya Commercial Bank Foundation Chairperson Catherine Kola, who also spoke at event, emphasised the need for public advocacy as one way of fighting kidney diseases in the country.  We want the public to be smart about their kidneys by taking a simple blood and urine tests to detect CKD early,” she said.

A survey conducted by Usaid-Health Policy project last year found that 21 per cent of the estimated 10,000 Kenyans who seek healthcare services abroad annually suffer from kidney-related ailments.

Most of the renal patients travel to Asian countries where treatment is cheaper. Currently, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) is the only public hospital offering kidney transplant services in Kenya.

While dialysis in private hospitals costs between Sh9,000-Sh12,000, those who seek the same services at KNH pay Sh4,500 per session.