Kerugoya, Kenya — On a calm morning in Jevanjee Gardens, Kerugoya, health officials raised the alarm over a growing threat that rarely makes headlines but silently claims lives. Hypertension, often called “the silent killer”, is surging in Kirinyaga County, and many residents are unaware they’re living with it.
To mark World Hypertension Day, the county rolled out a public awareness campaign, urging locals to have their blood pressure checked and to take action before it’s too late.
“It’s estimated that over 80,000 people in Kirinyaga have hypertension,” said Dr Esbon Gakuo, County Director of Health Services. “But only 17,000 are receiving care. That means thousands are walking around unaware of the risks they face from stroke to heart failure.”
The theme this year Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer hits home in a region where lifestyle diseases are fast becoming a public health crisis.
A Growing Burden
In 2024, Kirinyaga recorded 3,760 new cases of hypertension a sharp rise from 2,998 the previous year. Health officials point to changing diets, physical inactivity, alcohol use, and smoking as key drivers.
“People are eating more processed foods and moving less,” said Dr Gakuo. “It’s a ticking time bomb.”
The impact is already being felt. Cardiovascular diseases many linked to hypertension are the second leading cause of death in Kenya.
Governor Anne Waiguru’s administration has tried to get ahead of the crisis. Her government has rolled out regular blood pressure checks at more than 75 health centres, and set up dedicated clinics at Kerugoya, Kimbimbi, Kianyaga and Sagana hospitals.
Each year, over KSh 83 million is set aside for non-communicable diseases in the county. Of that, KSh 58 million goes directly to managing hypertension. But officials say even that won’t be enough if people don’t take prevention seriously.
Waiguru has called on residents to embrace a healthier lifestyle. “We’re urging people to cut down on salt, stay active, eat better, and get checked regularly,” she said in a recent address.
To make healthy food more accessible, the county is also promoting fish farming, aiming to provide an affordable source of white meat to local families.
Lives Behind the Numbers
In the villages surrounding Kerugoya, community health promoters are the first line of defence. Going door to door, they screen residents and offer advice.
One of them is Alice Muriuki, 62, who knows the struggle first-hand. “I was diagnosed with hypertension in 2015. At first, I didn’t know what it meant,” she said. “But with support from doctors and proper medication, I’ve been able to live a normal life. I always tell people don’t wait until it’s too late.”
Another local, 58-year-old Ruth Wanjiku, shared a similar story. “When I first found out, I was in denial,” she admitted. “I ignored the pills. But after a scare, I started attending the clinic at Kerugoya Hospital. Now, I never miss my medication.”
These are not isolated cases. Nationally, one in four Kenyans has high blood pressure. But according to the Ministry of Health, nearly 80 percent of those diagnosed are not getting treatment.
Men are slightly more affected with 29.2 percent living with hypertension, compared to 27.9 percent of women.
Looking Ahead
Health experts say awareness is the first step. “Hypertension doesn’t show symptoms until it’s done real damage,” said Dr Gakuo. “That’s why screening is so important.”
World Hypertension Day in Kirinyaga was more than just a ceremony. It was a wake-up call and a reminder that in the fight against lifestyle diseases, silence can be deadly.
As residents queued quietly at blood pressure booths in Jevanjee Gardens, a quiet shift was underway one blood pressure reading at a time.
