The Ministry of Health is marking World Kidney Day this morning, an annual event observed on the second Thursday of March.
The event will culminate in a walk, which will be flagged off at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where participants are expected to gather at 8 a.m. for celebrations at the same venue starting at 10 a.m.
This year’s theme, “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health,” emphasizes the importance of early detection, understanding risk factors, and timely intervention to slow the progression of kidney disease.
The Ministry of Health estimates that approximately 1.8 million people in Kenya suffer from chronic kidney diseases. Furthermore, the ministry projects that kidney diseases will become the fifth leading cause of premature deaths worldwide by 2040.
Health experts highlight that poor management of non-communicable diseases, late diagnosis, and limited access to renal services are significant factors contributing to the rise in chronic kidney disease cases in the country.
Globally, high blood pressure and diabetes are the leading causes of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.
Margaret Kalekye
