Kenya is facing a growing health crisis as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for a rapidly increasing share of hospital deaths. In 2024, NCDs were responsible for 61.7% of all hospital deaths up from 52.4% the previous year. Conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and diabetes are steadily overtaking infectious diseases as the leading causes of mortality.
Cancer, now the second leading cause of death in the country, claimed 8,954 lives in 2024, rising from 7,699 in 2023. Cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, were close behind with 7,478 deaths. Hypertension has also emerged as a major concern, ranking among the top five causes of death with 5,035 fatalities in 2024.
The rise in NCDs is closely linked to Kenya’s changing socioeconomic and lifestyle patterns. Increased urbanisation, higher disposable incomes, and sedentary behaviours have led to greater consumption of unhealthy foods, alcohol, and sugary drinks. Alarmingly, 99.8% of adults consume insufficient fruits and vegetables, while 89% eat high-salt foods. Heavy episodic drinking is also widespread, especially among men.
While some factors like genetics and aging are unavoidable, over 80% of NCD cases stem from behavioural factors. Diet has emerged as the leading risk factor, surpassing smoking, alcohol, and physical inactivity combined. Environmental factors such as air pollution and household smoke further aggravate the problem.
The healthcare system has struggled to respond effectively. Most patients do not seek early diagnosis but only present themselves when complications arise. Limited public awareness, poor referral systems, lack of equipment, and high treatment costs contribute to the burden.
Efforts are underway to address the crisis through a multi-pronged strategy. These include developing policies to regulate marketing of unhealthy foods, adopting clear front-of-pack labelling, promoting healthy food procurement in public institutions, and introducing fiscal policies to tax unhealthy foods while subsidising healthier options.
Experts warn that without urgent action, NCDs will continue to rise, claiming more lives and placing immense pressure on the healthcare system. Tackling this “epidemic in slow motion” requires sustained community education, stronger healthcare infrastructure, and bold policy interventions targeting the root causes of lifestyle-related diseases.
