Experts Say Exercise Is Key to Preventing Illness

Health experts in Kenya are increasingly emphasising physical exercise as a powerful tool in the fight against non‑communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer. According to Gladys Mugambi, Head of Health Promotion at the Ministry of Health, a nationwide shift toward more active lifestyles is critical to reduce the health burden posed by inactive living.
The Ministry’s just-released policy brief, titled Kenya on the Move , lays out a framework for promoting physical activity across the population. It proposes a whole-of-society approach that includes making infrastructure more walkable, improving road safety for pedestrians, and partnering with county governments to create safe spaces for regular exercise.
Experts argue that exercise doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive: simple activities like brisk walking, cycling, or even household chores can help meet the recommended 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, as outlined in Kenya’s National Guidelines for Healthy Diets and Physical Activity. Dr. Frederick Wekesa of the African Population & Health Research Center (APHRC) notes that physical inactivity is a modifiable risk factor, meaning that making better lifestyle choices can significantly lower disease risk.
In addition to preventing disease, regular exercise is also linked to better mental health, improved quality of life, and lower long-term healthcare costs. Experts are calling for increased public awareness campaigns, community-based programs, and changes in urban planning to make walking, cycling, and other physical activities more feasible and attractive to all Kenyans.