Nyeri County: Building a Healthier Kenya
One Wellness Check at a Time

By Sarah Mwikali

Nyeri’s Kamukunji Grounds pulsed with purpose on May 16, 2025, as it hosted a vibrant national commemoration of World Hypertension Day. Under the theme "Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer," Doctors for Healthy Living (D4HL), in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the County Government of Nyeri, delivered life-saving health awareness and screenings to the community.

At D4HL, we champion prevention not merely as a strategy, but as a lifeline. This belief was on full display in Nyeri, where our team joined hands with other health champions to provide free health checks, educational resources, and personalized guidance to the public.

Hypertension remains a silent threat in Kenya, often underdiagnosed and poorly managed. As cardiovascular diseases continue their alarming rise, the urgency of early screening and widespread education cannot be overstated—they are critical lifelines for saving lives and significantly improving long-term health outcomes across our nation.

By participating in this national event, we reaffirmed our commitment to making health checks more accessible—and more meaningful—for all Kenyans.. 

Throughout the day, 448 individuals accessed free health screening services, supported by our partners and fellow stakeholders. Services included:

Blood pressure and blood sugar checks
Breast and cervical cancer screening (including Pap smears and HPV self-sampling)
Prostate health screening
Mental health consultations
Eye screening
HIV testing
Nutritional counselling

Each station was a gateway to empowerment, offering far more than just a test. Participants gained invaluable insights into their health, had their pressing questions answered, and, critically, received immediate referrals for specialized care when needed, ensuring continuity of well-being.

A Network of Shared Purpose

The event was a collaborative success, made possible through partnerships with:

Kenya Diabetes Management and Information Centre AMREF Health Africa Crown Healthcare Medlab Equity Afya Kenya Heart Foundation Community Health Promoters from Nyeri County.

Together, we brought an integrated, community-first approach to healthcare—proof that when organizations collaborate, the impact is far greater than the sum of its parts.”

Moving Forward with Purpose

One of the highlights of the day was the launch of a national guidebook for protocol management of selected non-communicable diseases—a significant move toward standardized care and more consistent patient outcomes across the country.

But perhaps the most powerful outcome was the trust and engagement of the people we served—fathers, mothers, young people, and elderly citizens—who took the crucial first steps in reclaiming control of their health.

Our Commitment

At D4HL, we remain steadfast in our mission to promote early diagnosis, empower communities through knowledge, and reduce the burden of preventable diseases across Kenya through the Know Your Numbers Campaign.

Screening saves lives. Awareness empowers communities. Together, we can build a healthier tomorrow for all.

To champion healthier futures alongside us, join D4HL in our upcoming wellness checks or learn more about our transformative work in preventive healthcare. Visit our website at www.doctors4healthyliving.org or reach out to us at info@doctors4healthyliving.org today.