Turkana County is considering the construction of a modern dialysis unit at Lodwar County Referral Hospital (LCRH) to expand access to kidney treatment and reduce the financial and transport challenges faced by patients seeking specialised care outside the county.
The proposed project was discussed during a community engagement in Napetet village, organised through the Second Kenya Devolution Support Programme (KDSP II) as part of the environmental and social screening process.
Residents welcomed the proposal, saying the facility could make renal treatment more accessible to patients who currently face long journeys and additional expenses when seeking care elsewhere.
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KDSP II Environmental and Social Safeguards Focal Person Ekadeli Philemon explained the background of the proposed project and the importance of involving residents in the screening process.
“Community engagement is an important part of environmental and social screening because it allows us to hear residents’ views, understand their concerns and ensure that these are considered as we plan for the proposed project,” Ekadeli said.
He noted that the project was conceptualised in April 2026 and emphasised the need for proper site assessment, the necessary approvals and appropriate waste management measures.
The safeguards process is intended to identify environmental and social risks and ensure they are considered as the project progresses.
Community member Michael Nadiko, drawing on his personal experience with the challenges of accessing dialysis, supported the initiative. He said the proposed facility could reduce the distance and cost patients face when referred elsewhere for treatment.
Youth representative Paul Esibitar also welcomed the proposal but stressed the importance of having qualified personnel to operate the specialised equipment.
Catherine Lomoit, the women’s representative from Gathering Voices, said the project could help reduce treatment expenses and travel distances for patients and their families.
Before the community engagement, the KDSP II and technical team held a meeting with LCRH management to discuss the hospital’s existing renal services and the need to expand capacity.
Acting Deputy Director for Clinical Services Dr Salim Otieno said the hospital currently has four dialysis machines and remains the only facility in Turkana County offering renal treatment.
He explained that limited space constrains service delivery and that patients may be referred to Eldoret when equipment develops mechanical problems.
“The proposed dialysis unit would help us expand renal services and respond better to the needs of patients coming from across the county. With adequate space and the right equipment, we can improve access to treatment and ease the burden on patients who have to travel long distances,” Dr Otieno said.
He added that the hospital has a biomedical engineer to support equipment maintenance and help ensure continuity of services.
Following the meeting with hospital management, the engineering team remained at the facility to assess the proposed construction site, while the rest of the team proceeded to Napetet for consultations with residents.
Engineer Denis Machoka emphasised the importance of accurate data, feasibility assessments and appropriate project specifications in guiding the proposed development.
He said the design should address the hospital’s current needs while allowing for future demand, given its role as a county referral facility.
The team included representatives responsible for social and environmental safeguards, gender, monitoring and evaluation, electrical and mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering and public health.
Lodwar Township Ward Administrator Patrick Nacho, Napetet Village Administrator Calvin Lepoo and local residents also attended the community engagement.
The community feedback and technical assessments will inform further consideration of the project, including the measures required to address environmental and social risks and support sustainable service delivery.
The proposed dialysis unit is intended to strengthen specialised renal care at Lodwar County Referral Hospital. However, the project remains at the assessment and planning stage, and the information provided does not confirm that construction has begun or that a completion date has been set.
