Diabetes has quietly become one of the fastest-growing health challenges in Kenya. Today, an estimated 1.5 million adults are living with the disease, yet more than half of them remain undiagnosed. This means many Kenyans only discover their condition when severe complications such as kidney failure, vision loss, or amputations have already set in.

The burden is heavier in cities, where lifestyle changes, unhealthy diets, and reduced physical activity have made urban residents nearly twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those in rural areas. Among children and young people, type 1 diabetes is on the rise, but poor access to insulin and diagnostic tools has resulted in devastating outcomes.

The human cost of diabetes is matched by the economic strain it places on families. Managing the condition consumes as much as a third of household income, forcing many to choose between buying food and buying medicine. At the national level, diabetes now accounts for around 4 percent of all deaths, making it one of the leading non-communicable diseases in the country.

💙 You can make a difference. By supporting initiatives that provide affordable insulin, diagnostic kits, and community education, you can help children and families living with diabetes in Kenya live longer, healthier lives. Every donation—no matter the size—goes directly toward giving hope and life-saving care to those who need it most.