Experts Raise Alarm on Rising Lifestyle Diseases

Health experts in Kenya are sounding the alarm over a surge in non‑communicable diseases (NCDs) driven by lifestyle changes, warning that the country’s health system may not be ready for the growing burden. According to the National Non-Communicable Diseases Strategic Plan 2021–2026, NCDs such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases and cancer now account for around 39% of deaths in Kenya.
WHO | Regional Office for Africa
The Ministry of Health and public health advocates say the rise is largely fueled by urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol consumption — all risk factors highlighted in national prevention plans.
In particular, the NCD Alliance warns that poor dietary habits — such as excessive salt and sugar intake, low fruit and vegetable consumption — are becoming more common, putting more Kenyans at risk.
New data from WHO further underscores the problem: nearly one in four Kenyan adults is living with hypertension, yet many remain undiagnosed or untreated.
Experts argue that the silent killer nature of high blood pressure is especially dangerous, as it often shows no symptoms until severe complications like stroke or kidney damage occur.
Religious groups and community leaders have also joined the concern, calling for stronger public health measures. The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has described NCDs as a looming pandemic, urging the government to declare the crisis a national emergency and increase investment in preventive services.
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Critics say unless there’s a rapid shift toward healthier environments — through food policy, physical activity promotion, and more screening — Kenya risks being overwhelmed by lifestyle-related illnesses.