Nairobi Hospital Marks World Kidney Day with Free Screenings to Boost Early Detection.

Nairobi Hospital Marks World Kidney Day with Free Screenings to Boost Early Detection.

Staff from The Nairobi Hospital mark World Kidney Day 2026 during a community outreach event offering free kidney screening and public health awareness.

By Jeff Oyugi 

Nairobi - March 12, 2026

Healthcare professionals at The Nairobi Hospital have urged Kenyans to prioritize regular health screening and healthier lifestyles as cases of kidney disease continue to rise across the country.

The call was made during a public awareness and community engagement event held to commemorate World Kidney Day 2026 under the theme Kidney Health for All, Caring for People, Protecting the Planet. The event brought together medical practitioners, hospital staff and members of the public for free health checks and education on preventing kidney disease.

According to global health experts, chronic kidney disease affects an estimated 850 million people worldwide, making it one of the fastest growing non communicable health threats. In Kenya, health professionals warn that the burden of kidney related illnesses is steadily increasing, largely driven by the growing prevalence of conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

Medical specialists say many patients remain unaware they are living with kidney disease until the condition has significantly progressed, often requiring complex treatment such as dialysis or transplantation. This makes early screening and preventive care critical in reducing complications and improving survival outcomes.

Speaking during the event, Dr Peris Koge, Lead Nephrologist at The Nairobi Hospital, said kidney disease is particularly dangerous because it often develops silently with few noticeable symptoms during the early stages.

She noted that most people only seek medical attention when kidney damage has already advanced, making treatment more difficult and costly.

Dr Koge emphasized that increasing public awareness is one of the most effective ways of combating the disease.

She said initiatives such as community outreach programs and health awareness events help educate the public on risk factors and encourage individuals to take preventive action.

“Kidney disease is often referred to as a silent condition because many people do not experience symptoms until it is already advanced,” she said. “Through initiatives like these we hope to encourage people to prioritize regular health checks and adopt healthier lifestyles that protect kidney function. Early screening and awareness are critical in preventing complications and improving long term health outcomes.”

The hospital used the occasion to offer free medical screening services to members of the public as part of its corporate social responsibility program. The screenings included kidney function tests, urinalysis, blood sugar testing, Body Mass Index assessment and blood pressure checks.

Medical personnel also provided professional consultations and guidance on lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce the risk of kidney disease.

Participants received educational materials highlighting practical steps for maintaining healthy kidneys. These included adopting a balanced diet, staying adequately hydrated, managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels and seeking regular medical check ups.

Doctors at the hospital also advised the public to avoid excessive use of pain medication and to maintain healthy body weight, warning that lifestyle choices can significantly influence kidney health.

For many residents who attended the event, the free screening exercise provided a valuable opportunity to better understand their personal health status.

Several participants expressed appreciation for the initiative, saying that access to professional medical advice and screening services helped shed light on health conditions that often go undetected.

Some said the outreach program encouraged them to take preventive measures and seek further medical evaluation where necessary.

Health experts at the event reiterated that community based health initiatives play an important role in bridging the gap between healthcare institutions and the public. By taking screening services closer to communities, hospitals can help detect diseases earlier and reduce the long term burden on the healthcare system.

They also emphasized that preventing kidney disease is significantly more cost effective than treating it at advanced stages, particularly for patients who eventually require dialysis or transplant procedures.

The awareness campaign also highlighted the environmental dimension of kidney health reflected in this year’s theme. Healthcare professionals noted that environmental factors such as pollution, poor waste management and contaminated water sources can contribute to kidney related complications.

Staff from The Nairobi Hospital take part in a short awareness walk to mark World Kidney Day 2026, highlighting the importance of early screening and prevention of kidney disease.

Promoting sustainable environmental practices, they said, is therefore also an important part of protecting kidney health in communities.

Through the World Kidney Day commemoration, The Nairobi Hospital reaffirmed its commitment to preventive healthcare and public education, while strengthening access to specialized kidney care services.

Hospital officials said the institution will continue investing in medical technology, specialist training and community outreach programs aimed at improving kidney health outcomes in Kenya.

They added that partnerships between healthcare providers, government institutions and communities will be essential in addressing the growing burden of kidney disease and ensuring more people receive timely diagnosis and treatment.

As the event concluded, doctors urged Kenyans to view kidney health as a critical part of overall wellbeing and to seek routine medical checks even when they feel healthy.

Medical experts say that with early detection, proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments, many cases of kidney disease can be effectively managed, preventing severe complications and improving quality of life.