People usually arrive here with a result in hand, a referral letter, or a doctor's advice to "see someone about your kidneys". The right next step depends on where you are. You may need a first test, a doctor to explain a result, or a specialist.
Types of kidney care in Mombasa
| Type of care | What it offers | Often a good fit if |
|---|---|---|
| General practitioner (GP) or family doctor | First assessment, ordering basic kidney tests, blood pressure and diabetes checks, referral | You have a new result or symptom and no diagnosis yet |
| Internal medicine physician | Specialist care of adults with medical conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure and early kidney disease | You have several conditions, or your GP wants a second opinion |
| Nephrologist (kidney specialist) | Specialist assessment and management of kidney disease, planning for dialysis or transplant | Your eGFR is low or falling, protein in the urine is high, or you have been referred |
| Laboratory | Blood and urine tests such as creatinine with eGFR, urine ACR and urinalysis | You have a test request, or need repeat monitoring tests |
| Imaging centre | Kidney ultrasound and other scans | A doctor has asked for a scan of your kidneys or urinary tract |
| Dialysis unit | Regular dialysis treatment under a nephrologist's supervision | You have kidney failure and a specialist has recommended dialysis |
If you are not sure which of these you need, the Not sure what you need? pathway asks one question at a time.
Where most people start
For most people, a GP or internal medicine physician is the right first step. They can arrange a kidney function test, explain the result, and refer you to a nephrologist if your results suggest it. You can read about the usual reasons in when to see a nephrologist.
If you already have a referral, or you have been told you have chronic kidney disease, you may be ready to look for specialist care directly.
Kidney care across Mombasa
Kidney care services in Mombasa County are spread across Mombasa Island and the mainland, including Nyali, Bamburi, Likoni and Changamwe. Specialist care and dialysis tend to be based at larger hospitals and specialist clinics. Laboratories and GP clinics are more widely spread.
Kidney care often means repeat visits, so location matters. Think about:
- Travel time at the hours you would attend, including the Likoni ferry crossing or traffic on the Nyali bridge and Makupa causeway.
- Whether you can reach the clinic easily by matatu, tuk-tuk or boda boda, or whether parking is available.
- Opening hours that fit your work and family.
- Whether tests can be done at the same place as your consultation.
Costs, SHA and insurance
We do not publish prices, because fees vary between providers and change over time. Costs can include the consultation, laboratory tests, imaging and medicines, and these are often charged separately.
SHA: the Social Health Authority (SHA) runs Kenya's public health insurance schemes, including the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which replaced NHIF. What SHA covers, and which facilities are contracted for which services, varies. Ask the provider directly whether they accept SHA for the service you need.
Private insurance: cover for outpatient visits, specialist consultations, tests and dialysis differs between schemes. Some need a referral letter or pre-authorisation.
Useful questions to ask any provider before you go:
- What does the consultation fee include?
- Are tests charged separately, and roughly what will they cost?
- Do you accept SHA or my insurance for this service? Is pre-authorisation needed?
- Will there be a co-payment?
Using our directory and enquiry service
The verified provider directory lists kidney care providers in Mombasa whose details we have checked. The provider verification page explains what we check and how often. We do not rank providers.
If you would like help, the Find kidney care form asks only for the type of care, your area, how soon you need it and how to contact you. It does not ask for your test results or medical history. With your consent, your enquiry is shared with one matched verified provider.
Local guides
Nephrologist in Mombasa
What a kidney specialist offers and how to choose one.
Read the guideKidney function tests in Mombasa
Which tests, how to choose a laboratory, and what to do with results.
Read the guideCKD care in Mombasa
Long-term care for chronic kidney disease, close to home.
Read the guideVerified provider directory
Providers in Mombasa whose details we have checked.
Browse providersWhen to get medical help urgently
Do not wait for a clinic appointment if you or someone you care for has very little or no urine, severe breathlessness, chest pain, new confusion or drowsiness, or severe swelling together with breathlessness. Blood in the urine with fever or severe pain also needs same-day care. Go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 999 / 112.
Find the right kidney care in Mombasa
Tell us what kind of care you need and your area. With your consent, we share your enquiry with one matched verified provider.
Find kidney careCommon questions
Does SHA cover kidney care in Mombasa?
SHA cover for consultations, tests and dialysis depends on the service and on whether the facility is contracted for it. Ask the provider directly before your visit.
Do you list prices?
No. Fees vary between providers and change over time. We suggest asking each provider what the consultation includes and whether tests are charged separately.
Sources
- KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease. kdigo.org
- Social Health Authority (SHA), Kenya. sha.go.ke
- Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC). kmpdc.go.ke
- Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS). kenas.go.ke
This page gives general information about kidney care services in Mombasa. It is not a diagnosis, and it is not a recommendation of any individual provider. Being listed in our directory is not an endorsement. Your results should be interpreted by a doctor who knows your history. Medical disclaimer.