Experts Warn of High Iron Deficiency Among Women

Nutrition and health experts in Kenya are raising serious concern over persistently high rates of iron deficiency, particularly among women of reproductive age. According to The Star, anaemia affects 41.6% of pregnant women, driven in large part by iron deficiency. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also warned that progress in reducing anaemia in Kenyan women is too slow to meet global targets.
Locally led research backs up these fears. A 2025 study in Narok County found that iron deficiency anaemia remains a significant issue among women in livestock-keeping communities, with factors such as low dietary diversity, frequent blood loss, and limited access to iron-rich foods driving the problem. Another study in Nandi County showed that women who drink more tea are substantially more likely to have low iron stores — tea’s polyphenols inhibit iron absorption.
Adherence to iron‑folic acid supplementation (IFAS) is also worryingly low, according to nutritionists. In Kilifi County, only 31.2% of women reportedly adhered to IFAS during pregnancy — with barriers including side effects, forgetfulness, long distances to health facilities, and stock-outs of the supplements. Experts argue that unless these systemic and behavioral obstacles are addressed, many women will continue to suffer from iron deficiency, with serious health implications such as fatigue, poor immune function, and complications during pregnancy.
To tackle this issue, public health officials are calling for a multi-sectoral response: more aggressive food fortification, increased screening for iron deficiency (using markers like ferritin), stronger distribution of IFAS during antenatal care, and nutrition education tailored to high-risk populations.