As the world marks World Kidney Day, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is celebrating a major achievement in the fight against chronic kidney disease (CKD) — its contributions to a multi-stakeholder research initiative led to the launch of a state-of-the-art mobile dialysis truck and a CKD Prevention Messages Tool to enhance renal care in Murang’a County.
This first-of-its-kind initiative in Kenya, made possible through a partnership between JKUAT’s School of Nursing, Benacare Kenya, and the Murang’a County Government, aims to revolutionize kidney care by bringing life-saving dialysis services directly to patients.
Officially launched on February 22, 2025, the mobile dialysis truck will ease access to treatment, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for care.
The CKD Prevention Messages Tool on the other hand, is an informational booklet designed to promote kidney health by providing clear, evidence-based guidelines on preventing chronic kidney disease (CKD).
It offers practical recommendations for healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers to support early intervention and continuous monitoring of patients with diabetes, hypertension and HIV to prevent progression to renal failure.
The development of these initiatives was informed by the results of a study on health technology assessment on the treatment modalities of chronic kidney disease in Murang’a County conducted by a team of JKUAT researchers—Dr. Albanus Mutisya (Dean School of Nursing), Dr. Elijah Githinji, and Mr. Peter Monda—in collaboration with BenaCare Kenya and Murang’a County.
Their study conducted between January and August 2023 aimed to establish the effectiveness and safety of facility-based renal replacement therapies as compared to home-based/mobile renal replacement therapies.
Chronic Kidney disease (CKD) is a longstanding disease of the kidneys leading to renal failure. The disease has become an issue of global health concern where in sub-Saharan Africa, it affects 12-13% adults and in Kenya, it is estimated that 4 million people have CKD.
As explained by Dr Mutisya, Murang’a County was chosen as the focal point due to its alarming rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as hypertension and diabetes, as highlighted in the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS). These conditions are the leading causes of CKD, making the county a critical area for intervention.
“From the research findings, we discovered that limited resources led to poor accessibility of dialysis centers. This led to patients losing their income opportunities due to the long distance covered to get medical attention since only one government facility was available to offer the services they required. This caused the rising cases of poor dialysis resulting in high mortality and morbidity rates,” said Dr. Mutisya
In addition, it was also discovered that 88% of renal failure cases were caused by hypertension and diabetes. The results indicated that the patients with NCDs were not adhering to clinic appointments hence missing education on right nutrition, and prevention strategies that would reduce the risks of developing CKD.
Leveraging on these findings, the consortium of researchers developed two key initiatives, the first being a CKD Prevention Messages Tool, which was handed over to the Murang’a County health management team in July 2023.
Building on this momentum, the team then recommended the establishment of a mobile dialysis truck to expand access to kidney care.
The county government, in partnership with BenaCare and other stakeholders, embraced this recommendation, leading to the successful acquisition and launch of the clinic. The mobile unit is now set to serve communities across Murang’a County, offering critical dialysis services to patients at their doorsteps.
This initiative underscores the power of academia, industry, and government partnerships in driving sustainable healthcare solutions in Africa. The mobile dialysis truck is not just a win for Murang’a County—it sets a precedent for the entire region, showcasing how innovative healthcare delivery models, developed through applied research, can bridge gaps in medical access.
Dr Mutisya appreciates this collaboration because it has opened doors for JKUAT nursing students and alumni, creating opportunities for internships and employment in the evolving healthcare landscape. More than just responding to today’s challenges, this initiative is laying the foundation for a healthier future in Kenya and beyond.
The research was made possible through the efforts of other partners including Villgro Africa, JKUAT Enterprises, and International Development Research Care.
