As the first rays of sunlight pierced through Nairobi’s chilly morning skies, hundreds of participants streamed into the Carnivore Grounds, lacing up their walking shoes for a cause that affects millions of lives but often goes unnoticed until it is too late.
Kenya Defence Forces Soldiers, children, parents, healthcare workers, and fitness enthusiasts walked side by side, united by one message: diabetes can be prevented, detected early and managed.
Held under the theme “#15,000 Steps of Hope,” the annual Diabetes Walk brought together the Kenya Diabetes Management and Information Centre (DMI), the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), government agencies and other partners to raise awareness of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes while encouraging healthier lifestyles.
The campaign comes at a time when diabetes continues to place an increasing burden on Kenya’s healthcare system. Health experts estimate that more than 813,300 Kenyan adults are living with the condition, while scores remain undiagnosed, making awareness and early screening more important than ever.
The 12-kilometre walk was a show of solidarity with individuals and families living with diabetes, particularly children who often face the lifelong challenge of managing the condition.
Organisers used the event to encourage early diagnosis, improve access to care and remind the public that children living with diabetes can lead healthy and fulfilling lives with the right support.
Leading the Kenya Defence Forces was the Director of Medical Services, Major General Francis Kuria, who joined hundreds of participants during the walk.
In his remarks, Major General Kuria thanked the organisers and partner institutions for bringing together different sectors in support of public health. He said protecting the health of the population is a shared responsibility, adding that healthy communities contribute to a stronger and safer nation.
He called for continued collaboration in promoting preventive healthcare, urging Kenyans to embrace regular physical activity, routine medical check-ups and healthy lifestyles as practical ways of reducing the risk of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.
Beyond the walk, participants benefited from free diabetes screening, blood sugar testing, medical consultations and health education sessions. The services offered many an opportunity to know their health status, receive professional advice and learn practical ways of preventing or managing the disease.
As the walkers crossed the finish line, the message remained clear: every step counted. Whether taken in support of a loved one, in memory of those lost to diabetes or as a personal commitment to healthier living, the walk reflected a growing national effort to confront one of the country’s most pressing health challenges through awareness, early detection and collective action.
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