Approximately 1.8 million people are suffering from chronic kidney disease, the Ministry of Health has said.
Chronic kidney disease, also known as chronic renal disease, is a condition characterised by a gradual loss of kidney function over time.
Health CS Susan Wafula on Thursday said close to a quarter of the adult population has high blood pressure while the prevalence of diabetes stands at 2.4 per cent.
Despite this burden, only eight per cent of those living with hypertension are on treatment while four per cent have their blood pressure adequately controlled.
Similarly, only 21 per cent of those living with diabetes are on treatment with seven per cent being well-controlled.
“High prevalence, late diagnosis, limited access to treatment and poor control of NCDs such as hypertension, and diabetes are major contributors to chronic kidney disease,” she said.
The CS said in a speech read on her behalf by the Head of NCDs Division at the ministry Elizabeth Ochieng during the World Kidney Day at Kenyatta National Hospital.
The CS reiterated the government’s commitment to providing universal health coverage which seeks to improve access to essential quality health services without citizens suffering financial hardships.
“Kidney diseases are becoming a major public health, social and economic concern. It is time for us to act with speed to tame this dangerous tide and achieve control for those diagnosed to prevent the development of complications,” she said.
To improve access to quality kidney health services, the ministry has supported the establishment of renal units and centres across the counties coupled with other support services such as highly advanced diagnostics.
Chronic kidney disease includes conditions that damage your kidneys and decrease their ability to keep you healthy by filtering wastes from your blood.
If kidney disease worsens, wastes can build to high levels in your blood and make you feel sick.
