New statistics from the Ministry of Health have revealed that a significant number of Kenyans unknowingly suffer from serious health conditions, prompting an urgent call for widespread health screenings during the festive season.
According to the data, over 260,000 Kenyans out of 22.5 million screened for diabetes were unaware they had the disease, while 577,000 out of 15 million screened for hypertension required specialised treatment.
The findings, released by the Department of Public Health and Professional Standards, highlight the silent health risks many face without realising it.
Health PS Mary Muthoni emphasised the importance of health check-ups, noting that many Kenyans neglect their well-being due to busy schedules.
“We have a serious issue in the country where people are not prioritising their health or have become too busy to attend to their health, not knowing that it would be their biggest undoing,” she said during a visit to Kibra, where Community Health Promoters (CHPs) were conducting door-to-door health assessments.
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CHPs, operating under the supervision of both national and county governments, are working through the festive period to screen Kenyans for common ailments and register them for social health insurance.
The ministry also revealed alarming statistics about antenatal care.
Of the 339,000 pregnant women identified during screenings, 132,000 had not attended antenatal clinics, endangering the health of both mothers and unborn children.
The government has pledged to settle all outstanding stipends for CHPs by the end of December, with funds already allocated.
"The Ministry of Health has also committed to paying outstanding stipend arrears for all CHPs by December 31st, noting the Government has made available the funds," the Ministry announced.
Kenyans are being urged to take advantage of the free screenings to address potential health issues before they escalate.
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