NAIROBI, May 31 — Kenya, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), on Friday launched a strategy to promote physical activity amid increased cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the East African country. “Physical inactivity has been singled out as one of the major modifiable risk factors contributing to the rise in NCDs, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, mental health, and certain cancers,” the Kenyan Ministry of Health said. According to the ministry, NCDs account for more than 50 percent of total hospital admissions and 55 percent of hospital deaths in Kenya. The strategy aims to transform attitudes and foster a culture of physical activity by establishing strong governance structures, robust data systems, and a skilled workforce. It also focuses on developing accessible spaces and environments that encourage and enable physical activity for all. The ministry noted that NCDs have become a significant public health challenge, with physical inactivity being one of the major risk factors, alongside tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, and unhealthy diets. WHO guidelines recommend that adults engage in 150 to 300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, while children and adolescents should aim for at least 60 minutes daily to support overall well-being.
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