By Hassan Wekesa - Editor
Kenya, 18 September 2026 - The Catheter Free Foundation (CFF) on Friday unveiled an ambitious four-year strategic plan to reduce long-term catheter use among patients with urine retention and related urinary conditions.
Under the slogan “Let the water flow”, the foundation aims to replace intrusive, painful and untidy catheters with alternatives that protect patient dignity.
The launch, held under the theme “Advancing Dignity Beyond Catheter Dependency”, brought together stakeholders to promote dignified, patient-centred urinary care, improve quality of life and raise awareness of options beyond prolonged catheter dependency.
The Master of Ceremony (MC) for the event, Dr Patrick Mburugu, stated that men because of the anatomy and biological reasons, have a very long urethra compared to women and if it has a condition, they suffer the most.
He likened the work of urologists to that of plumbers, who repair leaks and blockages in water and sewer pipes.
"Urethra passes through horrible terrain for men. Prostate can enlarge and block it. Sexually transmitted infections can also lead to blockage of the urethra. Another cause can be an accident. Alternative treatments reduce dependency on Catheter, a medical tube," Dr Mburugu, the MC, made the introductory remarks at MAA Hotel & Suites in Hurlingham, Nairobi.
He added that the urethra is also the main conduit or path, through which a man's seminal fluid passes, and if it is blocked, it means his fertility is at stake.
CFF Chair and urologist Dr Joshua Matu said he had seen the daily hardships faced by patients.
“The pain and suffering are real, and maintaining better hygiene with a catheter is extremely difficult,” Dr Matu said.
Dr Matu revealed that Kenya lacks statistics on real threat of urinary health challenges but it is estimated that 150,000 Kenyans, on the lower side, are on Catheter dependency.
"The number is obviously higher," he said.
"When a Catheter overstays, it raises risks of urethral cancer among many other risk factors," Dr Matu said.
He called on Kenyans to support CFF in achieving a vision of the world free from avoidable Urinary Catheter dependency, where every individual lives with dignity, independence, and restored health.
"The limiting resource is financial resource. We have the human resource, let us mobilise funds to purchase consumables so that we can help patients to be Catheter-free and restore their dignity," he added.
Prof Isaac Macharia, the Chief Guest who for over 32 years continues to impart knowledge to students at the University of Nairobi, thanked Dr Matu and his team for coming up with the foundation. Dr Macharia wears many hats. He is the Group Chairman, Equity Group Holdings Plc. He is the Chancellor, Karatina University. Dr Macharia is Pioneering ENT, Neck & Head Surgeon - among Kenya’s few cochlear implant specialists.
In his keynote address, Prof Macharia urged the government and private sector to collaborate in strengthening urinary health in Kenya, the region and globally. He described such co-operation as essential to restoring patient dignity and securing a brighter future. He urged Dr Matu and his team to work hand in hand with the government and religious organisations, noting that the government has the best infrastructure that can really help the cause.
"The government may have challenges with software sometimes, but it has the best equipment and infrastructure," he said.
He said ENT doctors in Kenya borrowed a leaf from specialists from the Netherlands who used to visit came for two weeks in a year many years ago to carry out ear surgeries because the country had a few specialists at the time.
"We came to learn that the specialists from the Netherlands were not very rich. They could bake biscuits and sell tea just to get amounts to come and support patients in Kenya and also train some of us," he revealed.
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He encouraged Kenyans to support such noble causes.
"When you are living undignified life, you can't rise to the occasion. Giving dignity and improving the lives of our people is very important," Dr Macharia stated.
He stated that people don't start Foundations because they have a lot of money. The heart to make a difference is what inspires such people. He regretted that the Kenya Ear Foundation died because it was a one-man show.
"A foundation that acknowledges partnerships and collaborations is poised to succeed," he said.
The four-year strategic plan from 2027 to 2030 outlines a clear roadmap for the dignity restoration programme. The initiative begins in 2027 with a focus on strengthening and deepening patient diagnosis, followed by 2028 which centers on team expansion and learning. In 2029 the plan aims to scale operations and broaden influence, and it finally concludes in 2030 by anchoring the programme through long-term sustainability and transformation.
"I am glad to see Dr Matu work with his Board of Trustees and collaborators, including the Kenya Association of Urological Surgeons," Dr Macharia stated.
With information from Dr Matu that KSh 30,000 can help make a difference to one patient, Dr Macharia offered to support 10 cases, equivalent to a donation of KSh 300,000.
A catheter is a thin, flexible medical tube inserted through the urethra directly into the bladder of a patient with urinary retention. It has another elongated area with a red mark where water is filled to support the catheter to dangle. Even though it bypasses any blockages or weakened muscles to instantly drain the trapped urine thus relieving dangerous pressure and severe pain, its usage comes with a cost. The insertion process and having the catheter in place can be uncomfortable and are often painful.
A patient has to literally walk with it connected to urine bag.
Any leakage would mean that the patient and the people around them would have to stomach the odour and strong ammonia smell. Additionally, it could cause stains from discolored urine, which may look greyish or sometimes contain blood stains, as the foreign body (the catheter) can sometimes injure the soft tissues in the urinary tract.
The Executive Director of CFF, Dr Catherine Nthiwa, stated that the Foundation is also keen on strengthening healthcare systems, research, and policy.
"We believe that every individual deserves access to care that restores independence, comfort, and hope," Dr Nthiwa said.
She added that despite being active for only a short period, CFF has already witnessed the transformative impact of timely intervention.
"Through our medical outreach initiatives, we have reached more than 270 individuals with screening, education, and counselling services, while supporting treatment for over 100 people," she noted.
"Their stories of recovery and renewed independence reinforce our commitment to expanding access to better urinary healthcare."
In her vote of thanks, Dr Nthiwa thanked all those who attended the launch and called upon individuals to make their donations count and support the cause. She especially thanked the Chief Guest Dr Macharia and former Makueni Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana.
The Friday launch marked an important milestone in CFF's journey. It provided a key platform for the Foundation to share its vision for the future and unveil its strategic priorities, bringing together partners, healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, advocates, and supporters who share a unified commitment to improving lives.
Beat Urinary Retention: Catheter Free Foundation Launches, Unveils 4-Year Plan
Catheter Free Foundation launches four-year strategy to promote dignified alternatives for urine retention patients.