Non-Communicable Diseases in Kenya_ Why the Healthcare System is Struggling to Cope

1. Non-Communicable Diseases in Kenya: Why the Healthcare System is Struggling to Cope As Kenya’s healthcare system continues to evolve, it faces an increasingly urgent challenge: the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, chronic respiratory illnesses, and mental health disorders. Once considered secondary to infectious diseases, NCDs are now a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, accounting for over 33% of deaths in the country, according to the Ministry of Health. Despite policy commitments to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Kenya’s healthcare infrastructure remains largely underprepared to manage the long-term, resource-intensive nature of chronic disease care. This case study explores the core reasons why the healthcare system is struggling to cope with NCDs—focusing on hospital capabilities, policy gaps, and the contribution of private health leaders like Jayesh Saini in bridging the divide. 1. The Growing Burden of Chronic Disease in Kenya

2. 1.1 Rising Prevalence ●Cancer is the third leading cause of death, with over 42,000 new cases annually and limited access to oncology services outside Nairobi. ●Diabetes prevalence has more than doubled in the last two decades, with an estimated 3.3% of the adult population now affected. ●Cardiovascular diseases are increasing, particularly hypertension, which affects over 24% of adults. ●Mental health disorders are widespread, yet significantly underdiagnosed and undertreated due to stigma and a shortage of mental health professionals. 1.2 Lifestyle and Environmental Drivers The surge in NCDs is driven by: ●Urbanization and sedentary lifestyles ●Poor dietary habits and rising obesity ●Air pollution and occupational hazards ●Increased tobacco and alcohol use Kenya is witnessing a dual burden of disease, where infectious diseases still dominate rural areas while NCDs rise rapidly in urban and peri-urban settings. 2. Hospital Capabilities: Infrastructure, Access, and Gaps 2.1 Limited Specialist Facilities Public hospitals often lack: ●Specialized departments for oncology, nephrology, cardiology, and endocrinology ●Diagnostic imaging and laboratory services for early detection ●Continuity of care systems necessary for chronic disease management Only a handful of facilities in Kenya provide comprehensive NCD care. For instance, many counties have no functioning cancer treatment centers, leading patients to travel long distances, often delaying diagnosis and treatment.

3. 2.2 Private Sector Bridging the Gap Private healthcare providers like Lifecare Hospitals, led by Jayesh Saini, are expanding access to chronic disease care through: ●Specialty units in cardiology, oncology, psychiatry, orthopedics, and renal care ●State-of-the-art diagnostic imaging and pathology services ●Follow-up systems for long-term patient management ●Integration of AI-based diagnostics and telemedicine to improve reach and continuity Through facilities across Kenya, Lifecare Hospitals and Bliss Healthcare offer a scalable model for treating NCDs while easing the burden on public facilities. 3. Policy and Health Financing Challenges 3.1 Weak Implementation of NCD Strategies Kenya has developed national strategies to combat NCDs, including: ●The Kenya National Strategy for the Prevention and Control of NCDs (2021–2025) ●The Cancer Policy (2019–2030) ●Integration of NCD indicators into UHC frameworks However, implementation remains inconsistent due to: ●Inadequate funding allocations for NCDs ●Shortage of trained health workers in specialized care ●Fragmented data systems for monitoring and evaluation 3.2 Affordability and Insurance Limitations Chronic disease management is expensive. Challenges include: ●Out-of-pocket costs for diagnostics, medication, and specialist visits

4. ●Limited NHIF coverage for advanced treatments, such as chemotherapy, dialysis, or cardiac interventions ●Lack of preventive services and screening programs in public primary care Without better health financing models, most low- and middle-income Kenyans struggle to access quality care for chronic conditions. 4. Innovations and Leadership in NCD Care 4.1 Jayesh Saini’s Model of Comprehensive NCD Management As founder of Lifecare Hospitals, Bliss Healthcare, and Dinlas Pharma, Jayesh Saini has played a critical role in: ●Expanding specialized hospital services in underserved counties ●Offering NHIF-integrated services, making chronic disease care more accessible ●Providing mental health and chronic disease follow-ups through telemedicine ●Supporting affordable medication supply via Dinlas Pharma, which produces: ○140 million tablets/month ○25 million capsules/month ○1 million bottles of syrups/month These integrated efforts have reduced treatment costs, increased access, and strengthened continuity of care—particularly for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. 5. What Needs to Be Done: Policy Recommendations To effectively respond to the NCD crisis, Kenya must: 1. Invest in early screening and community awareness campaigns, especially in rural areas 2. Scale up NCD-focused training for healthcare workers at primary and secondary levels 3. Expand NHIF coverage to include diagnostics, medications, and follow-ups for all NCDs

5. 4. Develop regional centers of excellence in chronic disease care across counties 5. Foster public-private partnerships, replicating models like those led by Jayesh Saini, to leverage private sector strengths in infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and innovation Conclusion Kenya’s healthcare system is under increasing strain from the rapid rise in non-communicable diseases. Public facilities remain ill-equipped to provide the specialized, long-term care these conditions require, and financing mechanisms often fall short of meeting patients' needs. However, leaders like Jayesh Saini have shown that with the right investment and innovation, NCD care can be made more accessible, efficient, and sustainable. Through hospital expansion, affordable drug manufacturing, and integration of digital health solutions, Saini’s institutions are helping fill systemic gaps. If Kenya is to overcome the NCD crisis, it must embrace coordinated policy action, scale up prevention efforts, and strengthen partnerships across the health ecosystem. The time to act is now.