Doctors Warn of Rising Stroke Cases

Health experts in Kenya are increasingly voicing concern over a worrying rise in stroke cases, particularly among younger and middle-aged adults. According to a facility‑based study conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital, up to 83% of stroke patients were aged 40 or older — a demographic shift that underscores how stroke is no longer only affecting the elderly.
Clinicians cite hypertension as the most common risk factor. In the same study, 77% of patients had high blood pressure, followed by smoking (16%) and diabetes (14.9%)—conditions that are becoming more prevalent in the general population. These risk factors are being exacerbated by changing lifestyles: poor diet, sedentary behaviour, increased consumption of processed foods, and substance abuse.
Delayed detection and poor access to critical care are making matters worse. The Business Daily reports that Kenya has a severe shortage of neurologists — there are only about 18 neurologists in the country — which significantly undermines early stroke management. Without timely intervention, many patients who suffer strokes never receive the rapid, specialized care they need during the critical golden hour.
Experts are calling for urgent action: increased public awareness of stroke warning signs, serious investment in neurologist training, and expansion of stroke units. They also want stronger community-level screening for hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors to catch problems before they spiral into life-threatening strokes.