Surge in Stroke Cases Alarms Cardiologists

Cardiologists in Kenya are raising the alarm over a marked increase in stroke cases, even as the country grapples with persistent gaps in care. According to recent data, stroke remains a leading cause of mortality — with estimates pointing to a rate of 92 deaths per 100,000 people, underscoring a heavy and growing burden on the health system.
Experts say the surge is being driven largely by rising rates of hypertension, diabetes, and other non‑communicable disease (NCD) risk factors. In Kenya’s public hospitals, an alarming 77 percent of stroke patients were found to have high blood pressure, while a significant fraction also had diabetes or smoked. Compounding the problem, Kenya faces a severe shortage of stroke specialists: neurologists are few, and most health facilities lack the advanced imaging equipment needed to quickly diagnose and treat stroke.
The consequences are stark. Of patients who suffer a stroke, nearly 1 in 5 die within 10 days in some hospitals, while many survivors are left with long-term disabilities. Cardiovascular health stakeholders warn that unless comprehensive systems are scaled up — including early detection, swift emergency response, and accessible rehabilitation — the human and financial toll will continue to escalate.
In response, the Ministry of Health is being urged to strengthen implementation of its Non‑Communicable Disease Strategy, invest in specialist training, and expand stroke registries. Increasing public awareness of stroke risk factors and symptoms is also considered critical, as health professionals stress that early intervention could save lives and reduce the long-term burden