CKD care in Mombasa: finding long-term kidney care

Being told you have CKD, sometimes called ugonjwa sugu wa figo in Swahili, can feel frightening. Many people with CKD live for years with stable kidney function when their condition is monitored and well managed. Good care is regular and planned.

What CKD means

CKD means that kidney function is reduced (eGFR below 60) or there are signs of kidney damage, such as a raised urine ACR, and that these changes have lasted more than 3 months. Doctors describe CKD by two measures together: the G stage from eGFR (G1 to G5) and the A category from urine ACR (A1 to A3). Our page on CKD stages explains this in full, and chronic kidney disease covers causes and outlook.

What long-term CKD care involves

• Regular monitoring. Repeat eGFR and urine ACR tests. How often depends on your stage and ACR category, ranging from once a year to several times a year. See monitoring CKD.
• Blood pressure control. This is one of the most important parts of protecting the kidneys. Your doctor will agree a target with you.
• Diabetes care, if you have diabetes, with attention to both blood sugar and kidney protection.
• Medicine reviews. Some medicines, painkillers and herbal products can affect the kidneys, and some doses need adjusting as kidney function changes. A clinician may consider medicines that help protect the kidneys and heart.
• Diet and lifestyle advice, ideally from a dietitian who knows kidney disease, covering salt, protein and, in some people, potassium.
• Checks for complications in later stages, such as anaemia (low blood count), bone and mineral changes and acid balance.
• Planning ahead if kidney function is low, including discussion of dialysis, transplant or supportive care.

Who provides CKD care in Mombasa?

CKD care is often shared. A GP or internal medicine physician may handle regular checks, blood pressure and diabetes care. A nephrologist becomes more involved when eGFR is below 30, ACR is significantly raised, kidney function is falling quickly, or the cause is unclear. See when to see a nephrologist.

People with kidney failure who need dialysis receive it at a dialysis unit, under a nephrologist's supervision. Dialysis units in Mombasa are usually attached to hospitals or specialist centres. A nephrologist will advise if and when dialysis should be considered.

How to choose CKD care in Mombasa

Long-term care works best when it is easy to keep up. Objective points to compare:

• Qualification and registration. Every doctor practising in Kenya must be registered with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC). You can ask a clinic for a doctor's registration details and check them with KMPDC. Ask whether the doctor is a nephrologist, an internal medicine physician or a general practitioner, so you know what kind of care you are booking.
• Access to tests. Can blood and urine tests, including urine ACR, be done on site or nearby? Is the laboratory accredited?
• Clear information on cost. Is the consultation fee stated up front? Are tests extra? Is SHA or your insurance accepted?
• Location and hours. Kidney care usually means repeat visits, so a place you can reach reliably matters.
• Communication. Can you ask questions in the language you are most comfortable with, such as English or Swahili? Will you get written results and a copy of any letter?
• Links to other services. For more advanced kidney disease, it helps if the provider can arrange ultrasound, dietitian advice or dialysis assessment when needed.

Also ask how the provider handles follow-up. Will they remind you when tests are due? Will your results be kept together in one record? Continuity, seeing the same doctor or team over time, is especially valuable in CKD.

Planning for ongoing costs

Because CKD care continues over time, ask providers about the cost of routine monitoring visits and tests, not only the first consultation. Ask whether they accept SHA or your private insurance for chronic care, and whether pre-authorisation is needed. Cover for dialysis and specialist care varies between schemes, so confirm it directly with the provider and your insurer.

What to bring to CKD appointments

• All previous eGFR, creatinine and ACR results, with dates
• A full medicine list, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter painkillers
• Home or pharmacy blood pressure readings, and blood sugar records if you have diabetes
• Any hospital discharge summaries or specialist letters
• Your questions for the doctor

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.

Common questions

Can a CKD specialist in Mombasa reverse kidney damage?

Some causes of reduced kidney function can improve with treatment, but much long-term kidney damage cannot be reversed. The aim of CKD care is usually to slow further loss of function, protect the heart and manage complications. Your doctor can explain what applies to you.

How often will I need kidney tests with CKD?

It depends on your eGFR stage and ACR category. Some people need tests once a year, others several times a year. Your doctor will set a schedule.

Do I have to see a nephrologist for CKD?

Not always. Many people with earlier stages of CKD are looked after by a GP or physician, with a nephrologist involved when results suggest it.

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.