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Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a prevalent genetic disorder significantly impacting both child and adult morbidity and mortality rates in Kenya.
According to a Ministry of Health report, SCD burden mirrors malaria endemic patterns in regions like the lake region, Western, and the Coast. Due to migration, SCD is also present in urban and commercialized areas.
Approximately 14,000 children are born with sickle cell annually in Kenya. In high-burden areas, between 2 to 4 out of every 100 infants are affected, and about 6-15% of children under 5 years succumb to the disease.
Kenyan Regions with high Sickle Cell Disease prevalence
The impact of SCD extends beyond physical health, affecting quality of life through medical costs, discrimination, psychosocial challenges, lack of medical care, and unemployment. Many adults with SCD face unemployment, hindering their economic and social advancement.
Economically, Kenya spends an estimated Ksh 1.6 billion annually (equivalent to 0.002% of GDP) on managing the 14,000 cases of SCD.
Ivy Nabwire, a sickle cell patient and advocate in Allience of Sickle Cell Anaemia Kenya, describes the challenges.
“The pain of sickle cell is ten times worse than labor pains. Buying medication daily is expensive and exhausting. There is also societal stigma, pushing many to consider suicide.”
Nabwire also emphasized the need for awareness and education about sickle cell to the society.
“Society lacks awareness about sickle cell anemia, which is why we form alliances and groups everywhere to educate and raise awareness.”
While some believe there is a limited lifespan for people living with sickle cell disease (PLWSCD), Nabwire challenges this notion, viewing it as a manageable condition stating;
“Sickle cell can be managed through diet and medication, allowing for a normal lifespan.”
Despite the rising prevalence of SCD, the Ministry of Health has implemented strategies to mitigate its impact through policy interventions aimed at reducing the disease burden and prevalence of blood disorders.
As the world observes World Sickle Cell Day, it’s crucial to support and care for individuals living with sickle cell disease to alleviate their burdens.
Written by Mapenzi Kitsao
Climate change has evolved into more than just an environmental crisis; it is now a significant social crisis. Key factors for social development, such as livelihood security, equality, and access to healthcare and social support, are increasingly threatened.
The World Bank Organization highlights how climate change is deeply connected to global inequality, exacerbating disparities between wealthy and poor countries, rich and poor individuals within nations, men and women, and across generations.
Despite contributing minimally to the crisis, millions of poor people endure its severe consequences, facing extreme weather events, health issues, food and water insecurity, migration, loss of cultural identity, and livelihood threats.
These overwhelming challenges hinder the social development of marginalized groups, including the poor, people with disabilities, gender minorities, and other vulnerable populations, depriving them of essential resources like food, clean water, and healthcare services.
Locally, in Kenya, floods, landslides, and cyclones between March and May 2024 resulted in at least 221 fatalities, 155 missing persons, over 63,000 affected households, and 36,137 displaced families. Additionally, 1,464 water sources were destroyed, 9,856 livestock perished, and 41,063 acres of crops were damaged, according to the Emergency Management Service, Copernicus Program.
Some of the families displaced during floods in Kenya.
Photo courtesy.
In Tanzania, Cyclones Hidaya and Laly affected 18,862 people, killed five, completely destroyed 678 houses, partially damaged 877, and submerged 543 homes, as reported by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa. Kenya also lost two individuals to the cyclones.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) notes,
“The waning El Niño event, alongside a phenomenon known as the Indian Ocean Dipole and high sea surface temperatures, are playing a role. But the excess energy trapped in the atmosphere and ocean by human-induced greenhouse gases is also having a major influence by turbocharging the extreme weather.”
If such events persist, countries will face further disasters, including droughts, limited health services, higher death rates, and increased displacement and migration.
To combat these issues, Kenya, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 13 on Climate Action, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 32 percent from 30 percent as part of its strategy to address global warming.
Moreover, the Mombasa county government has introduced the Mombasa County Climate Change Bill 2024 to mitigate health, environmental, and safety risks associated with climate change, offering hope for a sustainable future.
As the nation grapples with challenging economic circumstances, there is a steady rise in instances of child labor and trafficking in Kenya.
Gabriel Kitili, the National Government Coordinator for Children’s Services, revealed that approximately 5,000 cases of child exploitation have been documented in Mombasa County. Meanwhile, statistics from the Kenya National Bureau indicate that over 1.3 million children in Kenya, constituting 8.5% of the child population, are involved in child labor, with more than 30% of cases occurring in arid and semi-arid regions.
According to Winnie Akinyi, Outreach Care Manager at the Human Trafficking Awareness organization HAART, children from impoverished backgrounds are particularly susceptible to exploitation and trafficking
“Families that are experiencing poverty, inequality and lack of access to basic services are especially vulnerable to trafficking and child labour.”
Akinyi’s remarks echo the prevalent belief that children contribute to improving the financial status of some families, as seen in Mombasa County, where children are exploited by street beggars and viewed as economic assets.
This trend has led to increased cases of childhood trauma and even suicidal tendencies, affecting children as young as five years old.
It’s concerning that the very children society expects to become future leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals are being exploited and abused. It’s crucial to protect them from all forms of exploitation to ensure their physical, mental, spiritual, and social development, as outlined in Article 15 of the Kenyan Constitution.
Children who are protected and healthy tend to contribute more positively to the society than those who are exploited.
As the world observes the World Day Against Child Labour in 2024, it’s imperative for parents, guardians, and society as a whole to play an active role in safeguarding children, as their well-being is paramount for a prosperous future.
written by Mapenzi Kitsao
HIV remains a significant health pandemic in Kenya and worldwide. Despite substantial efforts to minimize infection rates, the number of recorded cases increases gradually.
Kenya is currently ranked 7th globally for its HIV epidemic, with approximately 1.4 million people living with HIV (PLHIV), as stated by Mr. Harry Kimtai regarding the reliability and safety of HIV testing services by the Ministry of Health.
“Kenya remains steadfast in its fight against HIV/AIDS, ranking 7th globally for its HIV epidemic. With approximately 1.4 million People Living With HIV (PLHIV), the country persists in delivering comprehensive and preventive measures,” said Kimtai.
Among the 1.4 million PLHIV, it is estimated that 133,455 are adolescents between the ages of 10-19 years, with 18,004 new infections and 2,797 deaths recorded annually. Homabay leads with the highest HIV prevalence among adults at approximately 25.7%, followed by Siaya at 23.7%, with Mombasa being the leading coastal county. Sexual intercourse remains the primary mode of HIV transmission.
A graph showing adult HIV prevalence in the Kenyan Counties
Initially, the Ministry of Health used a two-test algorithm for HIV testing, but this method posed challenges, raising questions about the quality of HIV testing services. In response, Kenya has now adopted the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended three-test algorithm for HIV diagnosis, enhancing diagnostic precision. The Ministry of Health stated that these advances affirm its commitment to quality HIV testing services.
Writeen by; Mapenzi Kitsao
The Catholic Relief Services (CRS), in collaboration with the Kilifi County Disability Network and other organizations, organized a three-day training in Kilifi from May 7th to 9th. The objective of this training was to address issues affecting people with disabilities, propose solutions, and advocate for their inclusion in society, particularly in accessing information.
According to Dr. Ruth Dama, Minister of Youth, Gender, and Sports in Kilifi County, neglect in service provision for people with disabilities is prevalent in many communities.
“We have seen scenarios where people with disabilities are neglected and others not recognized as disabled in most communities. This has gotten to an extent that there are no accessible communication for people with disabilities.”
Dama emphasized the need for solutions, including incorporating audio-visual communication on social media platforms and constructing accessible structures.
“We will introduce audio-visual communication on our social media platforms so that people from rural areas will be able to access information and know how to prevent themselves from issues in our county.”
Additionally, she highlighted the importance of raising awareness among county government leaders about the accessibility of public structures for people with disabilities and mentioned steps the government has taken, such as acquiring wheelchairs for all county offices.
“We should enlighten our leaders to consider the structures or buildings in schools that are sponsored by the county government to consider them. We have already talked to our partner and asked them to give us 10 wheelchairs that will be in all offices of the county.”
Tobias Antony from Special Olympics Kenya on the other hand discussed efforts to provide platforms for people with disabilities to showcase their talents through sports and engage society in accommodating them.
“We use sports to include those with intellectual disabilities and change the narratives and perceptions they have on themselves and the community. We are also implementing workshops for teachers, coaches, social workers, and NGOs, for centers working for people with intellectual disabilities on the concept of unified sports.”
In conclusion, both society and the county government have the responsibility to accommodate and include people with disabilities in the community, guided by policies that protect their rights.
Written by; Miriam Mwijaa
Mental illness is one the factors dragging behind the wellbeing and productivity of a person, family and community as per Dr. Rashid Aman Kenya’s Health Chief Administrative Secretary.
“Mental health not only contribute to mental health care costs but also socio-economical drain to individuals, families and communities.”
Amidst economic struggles faced by Kenyans, a surge in mental illness is evident, with the numbers rising steadily. Currently, Kenya has an average Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) of 72 on a 300-point MHQ scale, ranking it fourth in Africa for the highest number of people experiencing distress and mental health challenges, totaling approximately 10.9 million individuals, similar to 23% of the population while Tanzania being the leading country with an average of 88 according to the Fourth Annual Report on Mental State of the World 2023.
The average MHQ score across 71 counties measured in 2023 was 65 on the 300-point MHQ scale.
The Kenya National Commission of Human Rights estimates 25% and 40% of outpatients and inpatients, respectively, seeking healthcare services in Kenya have mental health issues. Major cases including depression, substance and alcohol abuse, and anxiety disorders.
Recent social media reports have highlighted individuals like Kimani Mbugua, a former Citizen TV reporter, who are battling mental illness, with some resulting in tragic suicides. The Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA) sounded an alarm on May 6th about the rising prevalence of mental illness among teachers, citing over 60 reported suicides.” An estimate 30 pc of Kenyan teachers experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. Since 2022, we have lost over 69 teachers to suicide.” KEWOTA CEO, Benta Opande.
Despite governmental efforts outlined in the Kenya Mental Health Policy (2015-2030) and interventions by non-governmental organizations and Community Based Organizations like Kamili Mental Health Organization, challenges persist in effectively addressing mental health issues.
While we impose these responsibilities to the respective boards, families and communities on mental health, individuals also play a vital role in initiating mental stability as a lot of advocacy, awareness and education on mental health have been done. The other parties are only support systems in combating the crisis.
Witten by; Mapenzi Kitsao
The first of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations (UN) is ‘No poverty’, aiming to eradicate poverty in all its forms by 2030. However, in Kenya’s rural areas, poverty persists, with a significant increase in recent years.
Poverty manifests in various dimensions including economic, nutritional, cultural, and multidimensional aspects, disproportionately affecting rural communities compared to urban areas. Recent statistics indicate that over 7.8 million people live in extreme poverty in Kenya, with a majority residing in rural regions.
The rapid population growth exacerbates this issue, leading to reduced per capita income, heightened demand for essential services such as health and education, as well as challenges in securing food, water, and housing. Moreover, the surge in population has contributed to increased job competition, further compromising living standards.
Currently, Kilifi is among the Kenyan Counties grappling with poverty estimating to 71.7% with a widespread of food insecurity affecting about 67% of the households. This makes it the first county with high poverty rate amongst the coastal counties as it has the highest population of 1,453,787.
Number of people in extreme poverty in Kenya from 2016 to 2024 in (1000s).
While some may argue that a large population can stimulate labor expansion and national growth, it also poses risks such as ecological degradation, conflicts, and disasters, particularly in the context of Kenya where the economic balance is precarious.
The substantial population growth undermines efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in combating poverty, hunger, and diseases in developing countries. Despite governmental and private sector initiatives to improve reproductive health and access to contraception, there remains a gap between current rates and MDG targets.
The Principal Secretary of the National Treasury and Economic Planning, James Muhati, projects Kenya’s population to reach 63.9 million by 2030, driven by fertility levels averaging three children per woman and a 35% growth in the population aged 15 to 34 years.
Family planning emerges as a crucial strategy for managing population growth, especially in rural areas with high fertility rates. While efforts have been made to enhance reproductive health services, there is still much to be done, particularly in addressing unmet family planning needs.
Universal access to reproductive health, including family planning and contraceptive use (SDG Target 3.7), is imperative to curbing population growth, and directly increasing household income thus reducing poverty rates and fostering national development.
According to the Kenya’s population policy, reducing population growth rate will harmonize with the economic and social growth.
Written by; Mapenzi Kitsao.
The family plays a crucial role in safeguarding its members from various forms of harm, including emotional, physical, and psychological abuse. However, despite this responsibility, there is a significant increase in street children and individuals struggling with mental illness in Mombasa County.
These mental health issues often stem from prolonged stress, poverty, or chronic health conditions, leading some individuals to exhibit erratic behavior and wander the streets aimlessly though Psychiatrists say that 90 per cent of the cases are drug related. Unfortunately, some families neglect these members, leaving them vulnerable to starvation, sexual assault, harassment, and even death. It is also a dismay that these families disregard their members claiming that they were bewitched and others ‘serving the consequences of their mistakes’ forgetting that they also have the rights to be taken care as other members of the family.
While several non-governmental organizations like Mombasa Women Empowerment Network- a mental rescue center have intervened, the number of affected individuals continues to rise daily as recent statics show that more than 500 mentally illed individuals meander around various parts of Mombasa.
Even though some may argue that these individuals unintentionally leave their homes and go missing, families still bear the responsibility of caring for and assisting them. Dr. Charles Mwangome, Head of psychiatrist Port Reitz Mental Hospital states, “Some of the cases can be contained at the community level but because of stigma, most of them find their ways in the streets.” He said this referring to families and communities who are judgemental about mental issues.
Initiating change in this situation requires recognizing the rights of those experiencing mental instability and ensuring their access to medical services and the freedom to express their feelings.
Mombasa Women Empowerment Network under Ms. Amina Abdallah as a solution, it’s main aim is to combat the myth that the route cause of mental illness is witchcraft and advocating for medication attention and proper counselling to the mentally ill.
Any signs of mental illness within a family member should be treated seriously, with early intervention through guidance, counseling, and creating a supportive environment being essential in preventing further deterioration. Serious conditions may require medication and regular follow-ups, but with love and support from their families, individuals can reclaim their place as productive members of society.
Families and communities taking the responsibilities on their mentally ill kindreds will ease the burden of flooded mental hospitals (only one in Mombasa) as well as the Non-governmental organization coming to their rescue.
Written by; Mapenzi Kitsao.
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has urged President William Ruto to dismiss Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi following the fake fertilizer scandal, stating it would demonstrate the government’s commitment to fighting corruption.
Khalwale emphasized the need for action in regards to the delay in taking actions and compensating the farmers as promised.”Let President Ruto prove to Kenyans that he is serious about fighting graft by sacking Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi and arresting those involved in the fake fertilizer scandal.”
He also demanded compensation for affected farmers, stating, “We also demand compensation for every farmer who was swindled out of their hard-earned money by the government officials.”
Meanwhile, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) called on Linturi to address the issue decisively and provide reparations to the affected farmers.
Written by Mapenzi Kitsao.
Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Kipchumba Murkomen, has refuted allegations of forming a team to investigate the plane crash that claimed the life of Kenya’s Chief of Defence, Francis Ogolla and nine others.
This response comes after Lawyer Miguna Miguna asserted on his X account that such an action by the cabinet secretary was unjust. “Remember no one except the president of the republic has the mandate to set up a team investigating the death of Kenya’s Chief of Defence staff. Not even the Cabinet Secretary.”
He further stated, “Moreover, the military will not cooperate with that purely civilian team, honour its summons and comply with any directives from or findings by it. We must be a country that adheres to the rule of law and avoids the tendency of engaging in PR exercises on such grave matters.”
In his reply, Murkomen clarified their jurisdiction, saying that their work as a department is to investigate the civilian planes and not the military. “As a department of transport, we don’t investigate military planes. Our work is strictly restricted to investigating civilian airplanes.” He clarified.
General Ogolla, among the ten victims of the crash on Thursday, April 18th, in Cheptulei, West Pokot, was laid to rest 72 hours after his death on Sunday, April 21st, as per his wishes in Alego Usonga, Siaya County. The send-off ceremony attended by military personnel, government officials, relatives, and friends, was led by H.E. Dr. William Ruto. The residents of his village commended Ogolla for his outstanding services.
Written by: Mapenzi Kitsao.
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a prevalent genetic disorder significantly impacting both child and adult morbidity and mortality rates in Kenya. According to a Ministry of Health report, SCD burden mirrors malaria endemic patterns in regions like the lake region, Western, and the Coast. Due to migration, SCD is also present in urban and […]
Climate change has evolved into more than just an environmental crisis; it is now a significant social crisis. Key factors for social development, such as livelihood security, equality, and access to healthcare and social support, are increasingly threatened. The World Bank Organization highlights how climate change is deeply connected to global inequality, exacerbating disparities between […]
As the nation grapples with challenging economic circumstances, there is a steady rise in instances of child labor and trafficking in Kenya. Gabriel Kitili, the National Government Coordinator for Children’s Services, revealed that approximately 5,000 cases of child exploitation have been documented in Mombasa County. Meanwhile, statistics from the Kenya National Bureau indicate that over […]
HIV remains a significant health pandemic in Kenya and worldwide. Despite substantial efforts to minimize infection rates, the number of recorded cases increases gradually. Kenya is currently ranked 7th globally for its HIV epidemic, with approximately 1.4 million people living with HIV (PLHIV), as stated by Mr. Harry Kimtai regarding the reliability and safety of […]
The Catholic Relief Services (CRS), in collaboration with the Kilifi County Disability Network and other organizations, organized a three-day training in Kilifi from May 7th to 9th. The objective of this training was to address issues affecting people with disabilities, propose solutions, and advocate for their inclusion in society, particularly in accessing information. According to […]
Mental illness is one the factors dragging behind the wellbeing and productivity of a person, family and community as per Dr. Rashid Aman Kenya’s Health Chief Administrative Secretary. “Mental health not only contribute to mental health care costs but also socio-economical drain to individuals, families and communities.” Amidst economic struggles faced by Kenyans, a surge […]
The first of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations (UN) is ‘No poverty’, aiming to eradicate poverty in all its forms by 2030. However, in Kenya’s rural areas, poverty persists, with a significant increase in recent years. Poverty manifests in various dimensions including economic, nutritional, cultural, and multidimensional aspects, disproportionately […]
The family plays a crucial role in safeguarding its members from various forms of harm, including emotional, physical, and psychological abuse. However, despite this responsibility, there is a significant increase in street children and individuals struggling with mental illness in Mombasa County. These mental health issues often stem from prolonged stress, poverty, or chronic health […]
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has urged President William Ruto to dismiss Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi following the fake fertilizer scandal, stating it would demonstrate the government’s commitment to fighting corruption. Khalwale emphasized the need for action in regards to the delay in taking actions and compensating the farmers as promised.”Let President […]
Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Kipchumba Murkomen, has refuted allegations of forming a team to investigate the plane crash that claimed the life of Kenya’s Chief of Defence, Francis Ogolla and nine others. This response comes after Lawyer Miguna Miguna asserted on his X account that such an action by the cabinet secretary was […]