My name is Protus M. Kakai, and I come from Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences (ICT Option), and before my illness I was hardworking, independent, and passionate about improving my life and supporting those around me. Although I am currently self-employed, my small business has struggled because of my health, leaving me without stable income.
Before kidney disease changed my life, I was able to do many things for myself. I enjoyed farming and could actively work on the farm, take care of my daily responsibilities, and plan for the future with confidence. I lived a productive life and always believed that with hard work, I could overcome any challenge.
Everything changed in September 2023 when I was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Receiving that diagnosis was one of the most difficult moments of my life. I felt as though my world had come to an end. I had many questions about my future, my family, and whether I would ever regain my health.
Today, I am living with Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease, the most advanced stage of kidney failure. My kidneys can no longer perform their vital function of removing waste products and excess fluids from my body. To stay alive, I undergo dialysis twice every week, in addition to attending renal clinic appointments for regular medical reviews.
Living with kidney disease has been an enormous challenge. Most days are marked by persistent nausea, recurring infections, extreme fatigue, and general weakness. Tasks that once seemed simple have become difficult or impossible. Physically, I can no longer do much for myself, and emotionally the journey has been exhausting. Watching my health decline despite my efforts has been one of the hardest experiences of my life.
The disease has also placed severe restrictions on my daily life. I take several expensive medications every day to help protect my body from further damage caused by the build-up of urea, creatinine, phosphorus, and potassium. I must carefully monitor everything I eat and drink. Many fruits, vegetables, and other foods that I once enjoyed are now prohibited. Even my water intake has to be strictly controlled to prevent dangerous fluid overload.
The financial burden has been overwhelming. The costs of dialysis, medications, laboratory investigations, scans, consultations, and hospital visits have steadily drained my savings. At various points, I have been forced to sell personal assets simply to continue receiving treatment and paying for essential diagnostic tests. Despite these sacrifices, the medical expenses continue to grow.
Throughout this difficult journey, I have not walked alone. I am deeply grateful to my family, friends, members of my church and community, healthcare professionals, and everyone who has offered prayers, encouragement, financial support, and emotional strength. Their kindness has given me hope during some of my darkest moments, and I remain thankful for every person who has stood beside me.
As my condition continued to deteriorate, my doctors recommended that I begin the process of preparing for a kidney transplant, which offers the best opportunity to restore my health and improve my quality of life. I am currently in the kidney transplant evaluation stage, and both my donor and I have undergone numerous medical tests. By God's grace, the results so far have been encouraging, and only a few evaluations remain before the assessment process is complete.
Although we have made significant progress, the evaluation process has come at a tremendous financial cost. Nearly all my available resources have been spent on the required medical investigations, leaving very little to meet the expenses associated with the transplant itself and the recovery period that follows.
A successful kidney transplant will give me the opportunity to live again. However, the journey does not end with the operation. After the transplant, I will need lifelong follow-up care and immunosuppressive medication to prevent my body from rejecting the donated kidney. During the first year after surgery, these medicines are expected to cost approximately KES 40,000 every month. The Social Health Authority (SHA) currently provides support of about KES 16,000 per month toward these medications, but there remains a substantial amount that I must raise myself. In addition, there will be ongoing costs for regular laboratory tests, clinic appointments, specialist reviews, and other medical care until my condition stabilizes.
Despite everything I have been through, I have not lost hope. I believe that this transplant represents more than just a medical procedure—it is an opportunity to reclaim my life. My dream is to return to productive work, revive my farming activities and other income-generating ventures, support my family once again, and use my education and skills in Information Sciences (ICT) to continue contributing positively to my community. Most importantly, I look forward to living a healthier, more active life with renewed strength and purpose.
Today, I humbly ask for your support. Every donation, regardless of its size, brings me one step closer to receiving the kidney transplant that could save my life. If you are unable to give financially, I kindly ask you to keep me in your prayers and share my story with others who may be willing to help.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read my story, for believing in my journey, and for giving me hope. Your kindness and generosity mean more than words can express. Together, we can make this life-saving transplant possible and give me the chance to look forward to a healthier future.