Even with these high numbers, a big percentage of patients are on dialysis. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney disease.The rising prevalence of these conditions has contributed to the increasing number of kidney disease cases. 

However other risk factors such as heart disease and smoking also play a role.Aging is another significant factor. Studies have shown that after the age of 40, kidney function tends to decline by approximately one percent each year. This is farther compounded by our western diets, which are often high in salt, lack of physical exercise and environmental pollution.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF KIDNEY DISEASE AND HOW THEY AFFECT KIDNEY FUNCTION

Kidney diseases can either be acute or chronic.Acute kidney disease occurs in very sick patients.This causes a sudden loss of kidney function.In  most cases, patients usually get well within a few days but urgent treatment, including dialysis,is needed as they  wait full recovery.Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)on the other hand refers to the progressive loss of kidney function over a long period.Those at the highest risk of CKD are people with hypertension, diabetes, obesity and family history of the disease.

HOW HYPERTENSION AND DIABETES DAMAGE KIDNEY

Hypertension and diabetes are dangerous because they damage the small blood vessels inside the kidney.This makes it hard for the kidneys to filter waste and extra water from the blood. "If you don't control your blood sugar and blood pressure, you're slowly damaging your kidneys without fealing any pain,"

"Most people don't know they are affected by kidney disease until it's too late,"says Dr Angela Mwangi, a nephrologist based in  Nairobi."By the time symptoms like swelling of feet , fatigue and difficulty in urinating appear,the kidneys are already badly damaged,"explains Dr.Mwangi.

For urban dwellers, stress, unhealthy fast food, and lack of exercise are driving these diseases. For rural communities, the use of salty processed foods and lack of regular check-ups are increasing risks. And for youth, it's becoming more common to see early signs of these diseases because of poor diet, smoking, alcohol, and lack of physical activities 

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM KIDNEY DISEASES 

The good news is kidney disease is preventable if you act early. Here's how everyone — whether in town, school, or village — can protect themselves:

1. Check your blood pressure and sugar levels regularly, even if you feel healthy.

2. Reduce salt and sugar intake — avoid too much processed food, soda, and snacks.

3. Eat more natural foods — fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and drink plenty of water.

4. Exercise regularly — walking, running, farming activities, or even home workouts.

5. Avoid smoking and cut down on alcohol.

6. Seek medical help early if you notice signs like swollen feet, tiredness, or changes in urination.

A CALL FOR MORE AWARENESS

Health experts are calling for more public education so that Kenyans — both young and old — understand how dangerous and expensive kidney diseases can be.

"It’s not just a hospital issue, it’s a community issue," says Dr. Mwangi. "If we don’t act now, we’ll see more people on dialysis machines, and many families can't afford that."

Whether you're a student, a city worker, or a farmer, protect your kidneys by taking care of your blood pressure and sugar levels — because kidney disease doesn’t care where you live or how old you are.

Panic among villagers occurred as they scrambled for safety, with many people seeking refuge in the same waters that had always been their source of life.

James Ekitela, a fisherman who narrowly escaped from the onslaught, recounted each bit of the chaos: "I thought it was just another busy day, but then the shooting started. They came with guns as well as machetes, and they didn't spare anyone. I had to run for my life."

In the aftermath, roughly 50 people were reported missing, as well as what occurred to them remained unknown. Families, stricken with grief, scoured all throughout the area. However, they were clinging onto hope but fearing for the worst among themselves. 

The retrieval of a couple of corpses—a single male and a single female, around 28 to 32 years of age—fortified the town's suffering. As he gave his condolences, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said, "The government stands in total solidarity with those who have lost their loved ones as well as those whose family members are still unaccounted for."

The attack left visible physical scars across the area. The Todonyang dispensary and primary school stand as broken structures while the assailants left their mark through vandalism. The militia dismantled these facilities according to reports and transported their materials for their own use across the border. Only debris-covered fields and deteriorating buildings remain which serve as a haunting reminder of how vulnerable the village truly is.

The widows who remain after the massacre represent the most heavily impacted group. The responsibilities of feeding their households fall heavily upon these women even as they navigate dangerous conditions and rising social instability without their husbands. The uncertainty about their loved ones' fate and the lack of direction deepens the sorrow these widows endure.

Frequent attacks on Todonyang people have created ongoing fear among its residents. The community's plea is unequivocal: The residents demand both protection guarantees and legal redress for previous violent acts. The Kenyan government has committed to upgrading border security by strengthening police reservist capabilities and increasing patrol activities. CS Murkomen stressed the necessity of working alongside Ethiopian officials to stop future attacks while promising that border security will be strengthened to safeguard local residents.

The Turkana people stand firm in spirit even though they face deep loss and constant fear. Local leaders together with community members demand sustainable development projects to rejuvenate the regional economy and bring back normality. Father Owiye, a local cleric, highlighted the potential of the fishing industry, urging the government to invest in infrastructure and economic empowerment initiatives: The Todonyang region provides abundant fish supplies and numerous business possibilities. The community will recover once the government delivers security measures alongside infrastructure and economic development projects.

The tragedy that befell Todonyang is not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern of cross-border conflicts that have plagued the region. Addressing the root causes of these hostilities requires a concerted effort from both Kenyan and Ethiopian authorities, as well as the international community. It is imperative to establish lasting peace and security to ensure that the residents of Todonyang can live without fear and rebuild their lives.

As the sun sets over Lake Turkana, casting its golden hue over the waters, the resilience of the Todonyang community stands as a testament to their enduring human spirit. Their stories of survival, loss, and hope serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for peace and security in the region.

When a woman shares her story of violence, she takes the first step to breaking the cycle of abuse.

It is upon all of us to give her the safe space she needs to speak up and be heard.

It is important to remember that when discussing cases of sexual violence, a victim’s sobriety, clothes, and sexuality are irrelevant.

Survivors of violence are speaking out more than ever before, and everyone has a role to play to ensure they can have justice.

On November 25, a powerful march took place in Nairobi, calling for an end to femicide and gender-based violence. The event, which brought together hundreds of individuals from various backgrounds, aimed to raise awareness about the alarming rise in violence against women in Kenya. Organized by a coalition of women’s rights groups, the march was held in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, marking a global effort to combat violence and discrimination faced by women and girls.

The protesters, including activists, survivors, and concerned citizens, gathered in a central location before marching through the streets of Nairobi. They carried signposts and banners demanding justice, with messages such as “End femicide now” and “Justice for women.” These slogans echoed the growing frustration over the persistent rates of gender-based violence, including the rising number of femicides, or killings of women because of their gender.

As the march moved through the city, speakers highlighted the systemic nature of gender-based violence, calling for stronger laws and better enforcement mechanisms to protect women. Many activists emphasized the importance of changing societal attitudes that often perpetuate violence and discrimination. 

Personal testimonies from survivors added an emotional weight to the demonstration, reminding the crowd of the real, lived experiences of those affected by femicide and abuse.

The march culminated in a rally at a central park, where several prominent activists delivered impassioned speeches. They urged the government to prioritize the safety and rights of women by addressing the root causes of violence, improving support systems for survivors, and strengthening legal frameworks to hold perpetrators accountable. The event also underscored the need for comprehensive educational programs to challenge harmful gender norms and foster a culture of respect for women.

This demonstration was not only a call for justice but also a solemn reminder of the lives lost to gender-based violence. For many, it served as both a protest and a memorial, honoring those who had died while pushing for a future free from such violence. The march sparked wider conversations across the country about the need for urgent action to address the ongoing crisis.

In the days following the march, the calls for justice and reform continued to reverberate through Kenyan society, with activists vowing to maintain pressure on both the government and the public. The event served as a crucial reminder that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done in the fight for gender equality and the protection of women’s rights.

However, through resilience, determination, and perseverance, an individual overcomes these obstacles and reaches a place of accomplishment, respect, and prosperity. This journey is a testament to the potential within every person to rise above their circumstances and achieve greatness, no matter where they start. It embodies the hope that no matter how humble or difficult one's beginnings may be, the path to success is always within reach.

Abraham Kithure Kindiki, born on 17 July 1972, is a Kenyan politician, lawyer, and former law professor. He is the current Deputy President of Kenya, having assumed office on 1 November 2024, following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. 

Before rising to the deputy presidency, Kindiki served as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration from 2022 to 2024 and represented Tharaka-Nithi County in the Senate from 2013 to 2022. A strong focus on security reforms, citizen rights, and education within the Kenyan government has marked his career in public service.

Born and raised in Meru District, Kindiki attended Lenana School, where he initially struggled with his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), but retook the exam at Tharaka Boys High School, eventually gaining university admission. He pursued a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree at Moi University, graduating in 1998. He then furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Human Rights Law and Democracy from the University of Pretoria in 2000, followed by a PhD in International Law from the same institution in 2002.

Kindiki began his academic career as a lecturer at Moi University and later the University of Nairobi, returning to Moi University in 2005 to lead the public law department.

Kindiki entered politics in 2013 when he was elected to represent Tharaka-Nithi County in the Senate. He served as the Senate's first Majority Leader and later became the Deputy Speaker after being reelected in 2017.

However, in 2020, his political career faced a setback when he was removed from the Deputy Speaker role due to his association with the then Deputy President William Ruto. Despite this, he continued to play a significant role in Kenyan politics and was appointed as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior in 2022. In this role, Kindiki focused on key security initiatives, such as modernizing the police and streamlining the e-passport system. His efforts also included advocating for the recognition of minority and stateless groups, improving national security, and promoting formal education for inmates.

In 2024, following Gachagua's impeachment, Kindiki was nominated by President William Ruto to be the Deputy President. Despite some legal challenges and a temporary halt to his swearing-in, he was officially sworn in as Kenya's third Deputy President on 1 November 2024. His appointment marked a significant milestone in his political journey, transitioning from a law professor and senator to the country's second-highest office.

On a personal level, Kindiki is married to Joyce Gatiiria Njagi, and they have three children, reflecting his more private side despite his prominent public role.

No matter our humble beginnings, we all have the potential to rise above our circumstances and achieve greatness.

Marriage is no longer seen an important aspect of life. What has contributed to the whole of this nightmare?

Many young people have made mental health their priority. Marriage comes along disagreements and fights, both physical and mental. The effects are always worse than expected. The victims end up in a bad state like being physically injured or even commiting suicide. Their mental health is not spared.

Many young people grew up witnessing all these. They therefore choose to live a more peaceful life as an individual without having to undergo any of these.

Cultural shifts have significantly contributed to the decline in marriage and parenthood rates among today's generation. Traditional gender roles have changed, leading to different expectations in relationships. Women have more educational and career opportunities and are less dependent on marriage for financial security. On the other hand, some men feel uncertain about their roles in family life, leading to delays in commitment.

Social norms and attitudes have changed. Marriage and parenthood are no longer seen as the only makers of a successful life. Casual relationships and even choosing to remain single or childless are increasingly accepted. The stigma around being unmarried or childless has diminished significantly.

Financial stability is considered to be one of the core factors that make a marriage unshakeable. Today, financial independence is really on the rise yet our economy is trashed. Most of young people lack stable sources of income. Even if they have, it can never be enough to sustain a whole family. Today's generation is now forced to live an independent life which they can be able to cater for themselves and their basic needs without being bothered by anybody.

Cohabitation trends are on the rise in today's generation. The young people choose to live together for intimacy without being married. They spend time together and share expenses and evaluate compatibility.

Cohabitation is seen easy compared to getting married with the aim of starting a family. It gives us the kind of freedom that is limited by parenthood.

Focus on education and career have also contributed to many young people not getting engaged and getting married. Schooling all the way from kindergarten to high school and later in higher institutions have taken most of the years of the young people. When it is already the required time to get married, most of them are still focused on their careers to see their dreams come true. The pride and prestige that comes with academic success has never given them a time to contemplate on getting married and starting a family. Many will opt to live like that due to the achievements they have earned themselves.

Today's generation wants time for themselves. They fear being trapped in marriage and parenthood without experiencing life of their own. A lot of them manifest about their careers and travel around the world. They need to access luxuries before getting into marriage. The probability is so high and it is crystal clear that many will not choose to eventually leave their comfortable and luxurious life just for the sake of marriage.

While marriage and parenthood remain important for many, they are no longer seen as essential or inevitable in most people of today's generation. Instead, personal happiness, financial stability and life experiences often take precedence.