Health Cabinet Secretary Dr Cleopa Mailu. [Photo|MoH]The government has installed additional 49 dialysis units across the country to enhance access to nephrology services.Each of the units which were installed in collaboration with county governments has at least 5 dialysis machines, and when fully operational, will translate into a capacity of 490 dialysis sessions per day in addition to the current services both in private and public sector.In total Health Cabinet Secretary Dr Cleopa Mailu said there are 74 dialysis facilities in the country, both in government and private sector.Speaking during the official opening of the 14th Annual Scientific Conference of the Kenya Renal Association and the launch of nephrology programme in Mombasa, Mailu who was represented by Head of Preventive and Promotive Health Dr David Soti indicated that estimates show that 4 million Kenyans have chronic kidney disease with a significant proportion of this population progressing to kidney failure. Out of these, Soti said, about 10,000 people have end stage renal disease and require dialysis, yet only 10% of those who need dialysis are able to access the services.The event was held September 29.

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