Nairobi Hospital Joins Global Fight Against Kidney Disease with Free Public Screenings at World Kidney Day
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 13 – The Nairobi Hospital hosted a vibrant public awareness forum to mark World Kidney Day 2026 Guided by the global theme, “Kidney Health for All – Caring for People, Protecting the Planet,” the event transformed the hospital grounds into a hub of community engagement, offering free screenings and expert-led workshops designed to champion early detection.
By bridging the gap between individual wellness and ecological sustainability, the initiative underscored the hospital’s mission to reduce the burden of chronic kidney disease while fostering a healthier, greener future for all Kenyans.
According to global health experts, chronic kidney disease affects an estimated 850 million people worldwide and is increasingly becoming a major public health concern.
In Kenya, the prevalence of kidney-related illnesses has been rising, partly due to the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
Health professionals warn that without early intervention and improved public awareness many individuals remain undiagnosed until kidney damage has significantly progressed.
Dr Peris Koge, the Lead Nephrologist at The Nairobi Hospital while speaking at the event emphasised the importance of early detection and proactive care in addressing kidney disease.
“Kidney disease is often referred to as a silent condition because many people do not experience symptoms until it is already advanced, Through initiatives like these, we hope to encourage people to prioritize regular health checks and adopt healthier lifestyles that protect kidney function”, said Dr Koge.
“Early screening and awareness are critical in preventing complications and improving long-term health outcomes,” She added.
As part of the hospital’s CSR initiative, they invited the community for free health checks that comprised of kidney screening, Urinalysis, Blood sugar test, Body Mass Index (BMI) and Blood pressure checks.
Further, Participants received educational materials outlining practical steps to maintain kidney health, including maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, managing blood pressure and seeking regular medical check-ups.
For many attendees, the screening was an important opportunity to better understand their personal health status, with several participants expressing appreciation for the initiative, noting that access to free screenings and expert medical advice helps raise awareness about kidney conditions that often go unnoticed.
Community outreach programs like this play a vital role in bridging the gap between healthcare institutions and the public by encouraging preventive care and early medical intervention.
According to Ministry of Health Approximately 3.1 million Kenyans are living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), a growing public health concern largely driven by the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes.
Kenyans have been urged to undertake routine screening for blood pressure and blood glucose at to enable early detection and reduce complications associated with kidney disease.
Further, Kenyans have been urged to adopt healthy lifestyles including regular medical check-ups, physical activity, adequate hydration and reduced salt consumption to help prevent kidney disease and other non-communicable illnesses.
Through the initiative, The Nairobi Hospital demonstrated its commitment to holistic wellness through preventive healthcare, public education and improved access to specialised kidney care services.
