How Physical Activity Can Help Kenya Fight the Growing NCD Crisis

By Melisa Mong'ina  - Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease account for 41% of annual deaths and 50% of hospital admissions in Kenya, according to health experts. As the burden grows, experts say physical inactivity is a key driver and one of the most preventable.

Physical activity plays a crucial role in our health. It promotes healthy growth and development in children and young people. 

It helps prevent and manage NCDs like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and mental health conditions across all age groups.

According to WHO, physical activity is any body movement driven by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. This includes activities performed during work, play, household chores, travel, and recreational engagements.

Dr. Frederick Wekesa from the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) highlights the importance of physical activity in preventing the growing crisis of non-communicable diseases in Kenya. He explains that it is a modifiable risk factor that can be addressed through behavior change and proper infrastructure development.

“Being a modifiable risk factor, physical inactivity can be tackled through behavior change, communication, and supportive infrastructure,” says Dr. Wekesa.

Dr. Frederick Wekesa from APHRC speaking during a panel discussion. Photo KELIN

He further links physical activity with nutrition, noting that it aids in both preventing NCDs and enhancing nutrient absorption. A person consuming energy-dense foods is supposed to engage in physical activity to stay healthy.

He adds that physical activity complements good nutrition by enhancing food absorption and helping regulate energy balance, especially for individuals consuming calorie-dense diets.

Dr. Wekesa discusses the barriers that hinder young people from engaging in physical activities particularly those living in urban areas. 

He states that a lack of safe, accessible, and enjoyable spaces for play hinders young people from being physically active.

“The issue is about the built environment, especially in urban areas. It's not properly structured to promote physical activity. And not just spaces but enjoyable, accessible, and safe spaces for young people to go out and play with ease,” he adds.

Additionally, the use of gadgets among young people is a major hindrance to physical activity. He blames parents for often giving their kids gadgets and internet access, thus reducing their physical activity levels. 

“Today’s biggest barrier to children’s physical activity is excessive screen time. Many parents unknowingly encourage this by providing unrestricted access to gadgets and the internet,” he notes.

He warns that reduced physical activity is also harming young people’s mental health, contributing to increased cases of online bullying, poor self-esteem, and social isolation.

Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Management

He encourages people living with hypertension and diabetes to engage in daily and moderate physical activity to improve their health and quality of life, since such activities play a rehabilitative role in managing these conditions.

“For people managing conditions like diabetes and hypertension, daily moderate physical activity helps improve quality of life and supports mental well-being,” says Dr. Wekesa

Dr. Wekesa calls for public education and policy support, stating that these will be crucial in engaging more people across the country in physical activity. 

He adds that implementing necessary laws around physical activity will play an important role in motivating the public to leave their homes and engage in healthy outdoor activities.

“Public education is vital. Many Kenyans are already embracing active lifestyles we must build on that momentum,” he urges. 

He also emphasizes the importance of supportive laws and infrastructure to encourage participation in physical activity.

Adding, “Providing the necessary laws and legislation, but more importantly, safe spaces and infrastructure that accommodate and allow people to step out of the comfort of their homes into the comfort of open spaces, will enable them to engage in physical activity.”

Emmanuel Sigei, from the Ministry of Health’s Division of Non-communicable Diseases, emphasizes that physical inactivity contributes to nearly 30% of diabetes cases and 27% of cardiovascular diseases in Kenya. 

He calls for integration of physical activity into urban planning to ensure inclusivity, especially for persons with disabilities.

Emmanuel Sigei from the Ministry of Health, Division of Non-communicable Diseases. Photo KELIN 

“Physical inactivity is the fourth largest risk factor associated with the increasing burden of NCDs. When you look at the disease-specific burden, you can attribute it to around 30% for diabetes and 27% for cardiovascular diseases,” says Sigei.

He emphasizes the importance of mainstreaming physical activity across all sectors, including urban planning and infrastructure development, so that even people living with disabilities are able to participate.

"We are advocating for the mainstreaming of physical activity in all sectors, so that even people who are facing challenges may be accommodated in engaging in physical activity,” stresses Sigei.

They are also working together with urban planners to create a disability-friendly environment to ensure that people living with disabilities are not left behind.

“We are also collaborating with urban planning to ensure they are building a disability-friendly environment, to enable persons living with disabilities to participate in physical activity,” he adds.

According to Sigei, improper infrastructure and unsupportive environments often hinder persons living with disabilities from engaging in physical activity. They are often forgotten when these spaces are designed. Including them will be crucial to ensure they feel part of the society or community.

“Persons with disabilities are often overlooked when designing public spaces. We need inclusive infrastructure that allows everyone to participate in physical activity,” he adds.

Sigei points out that everyone has a responsibility to promote active lifestyles and prevent the growing burden of NCDs.

“Physical activity is everyone’s responsibility. And there is no better time to start than now. So, we start now,” he urges.

Allan Maleche, Executive Director at KELIN, describes the policy brief on physical activity as a call to action backed by evidence and reflective of Kenyans’ lived realities in both urban and rural settings.

“The brief is not just a document but a call to action which clearly outlines the recommendations to ensure physical activity is used as one of the tools to fight NCDs a common crisis affecting many people regardless of age or background. It’s a significant step forward for the country,” says Maleche.

Allan Maleche Executive Director at KELIN handing over the policy brief on promoting physical activity. Photo KELIN

He explains that the process of developing the physical activity policy brief was participatory, driven by evidence from ongoing research and documents. It also reflected the lived realities of Kenyans in both urban and rural areas.

“We aim to make physical activity everyone’s responsibility. We are proud that this process has been participatory. It was evidence-driven we referred to ongoing research and documents. It’s also rooted in the lived realities of Kenyans in both urban and rural areas formal and informal settlements,” he adds.

He hopes that the policy brief on promoting physical activity in Kenya will help people recognize their right to health. Maleche looks forward to more collaboration with the Ministry of Health to make the document a reality in Kenya.

“I hope this document will help guide people to realize and enjoy their right to health. We are looking forward to working with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to make this document a reality,” emphasizes Maleche.

While presenting the brief to the Ministry of Health, Machele reaffirmed KELIN’s commitment to supporting its implementation through advocacy, legal frameworks, and community engagement.

“As I hand over this document, I reaffirm KELIN’s commitment to support the implementation of the recommendations through various frameworks. You can count on our support because this document is something we believe in,” he says.

Physical activity is not merely a personal lifestyle decision it is a national public health priority. Creating inclusive environments and fostering community awareness are essential steps to ensure every Kenyan, regardless of age or ability, can actively pursue a healthier life.