Kidney failure cases have surged dramatically in Wajir County, located in northeastern Kenya, where a rising number of Somali residents are suffering from late-stage kidney conditions. The alarming increase in cases has caught the attention of local health officials, who are raising concerns about the shortage of medical resources and the lack of early detection. Kidney failure in the region is causing many patients to face the daunting reality of requiring dialysis or, in some instances, even kidney transplants.
Wajir General Hospital, a key medical facility in the county, has reported that 58 men and 21 women have been diagnosed with kidney failure. Most of these patients only learned of their condition after their kidneys had already failed. By the time they seek medical attention, dialysis, a life-sustaining process, or a transplant is the only remaining option. This late diagnosis is primarily attributed to chronic, undiagnosed health issues and the widespread use of over-the-counter painkillers, which are often consumed without proper medical guidance.
Kidney failure, locally known as “kelyo istaag,” occurs when the kidneys can no longer perform their essential function of filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood. This leads to a build-up of toxins in the body, causing serious health complications. Doctors explain that kidneys need to function at at least 15% of their capacity to maintain the body’s balance. When function drops below this threshold, dialysis is necessary to help filter the blood artificially. In rare cases, kidney transplants may be needed for survival.
Dr. Daud Abdi Sheikh, a physician at Wajir County Hospital, explains that kidney failure usually begins with conditions that may seem minor and manageable, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or excessive use of painkillers for common ailments like headaches or back pain. In many cases, these issues go undiagnosed or untreated until they escalate to severe kidney failure.
One of the significant challenges in Wajir is the lack of routine medical checkups among the population. Many people in the region do not undergo regular health screenings, making it difficult to detect kidney issues before they reach advanced stages. Health professionals have noted that individuals often wait until they are feeling extremely unwell before seeking medical help, by which point their kidney function may be critically low.
Dr. Daud urges residents, particularly those with diabetes or high blood pressure, to undergo kidney and heart function tests every three to six months. Early detection is crucial for preventing kidney failure or at least managing the condition before it becomes life-threatening. However, accessing medical care is a major challenge in Wajir. The county, which has a predominantly Somali population, has long faced difficulties in providing adequate healthcare services. The region has a severe shortage of dialysis machines and specialists trained to treat kidney-related illnesses. For many residents, access to consistent, quality healthcare is out of reach, further exacerbating the situation.
Local health officials are emphasizing the importance of seeking medical attention before serious complications arise. They advise against self-medicating, especially with over-the-counter painkillers, as this can lead to kidney damage over time. Routine medical screenings are essential to catch any underlying health problems early, before they escalate into chronic kidney failure.
While dialysis can help patients survive, it is not a permanent solution, and many residents are left facing an uncertain future. Dialysis machines in the region are few, and kidney transplants are virtually impossible due to the lack of facilities and expertise. Given these challenges, doctors are calling for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, including more trained kidney specialists and diagnostic equipment. With improved medical resources and early intervention, health officials believe that many cases of kidney failure could be prevented, reducing the number of deaths in the region.
