Study Shows Low Awareness of Kidney Disease

A recent national health alert has raised concern that many Kenyans remain largely unaware of chronic kidney disease (CKD), even as the burden of kidney-related illness continues to grow. According to a screening and education drive spearheaded by Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Uasin Gishu County, hospital nephrology experts say that most residents do not understand the early signs or risk factors associated with CKD.
Data from the Ministry of Health also underscores a widening gap between disease prevalence and public recognition. An estimated five million Kenyans are said to be living with some form of chronic kidney condition, yet many remain undiagnosed until the disease has significantly progressed. According to local kidney health advocates, limited awareness is being driven by poor public education, minimal screening outreach, and a shortage of nephrology specialists in rural areas.
Clinical research supports this concern. A Kenyan study looking at patients with type 2 diabetes at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital found that only about 25.8% of participants were aware of CKD risk and symptoms, despite a very high disease prevalence. Meanwhile, an outpatient survey found that 38% of CKD patients did not even know their own disease stage, suggesting that even diagnosed patients have poor understanding of their condition.
Medical and public health experts are now calling for urgent action: more routine screening, especially for high-risk groups like hypertensive and diabetic patients; better education campaigns to raise awareness; and stronger investment in kidney health infrastructure. According to health leaders, fixing this knowledge deficit could help diagnose more cases earlier, slow disease progression, and reduce the need for costly treatment like dialysis.