Kenya’s dementia crisis deepens without a national response plan

A looming health disaster is unfolding in Kenya as dementia cases surge—yet no strategy exists to fight it. Who will step up before it’s too late?

, and Administrator

2025 November 15 . 7:17 PM

1 min read

This is a graveyard with many graves. On the ground there is grass. In the background there are... — This is a graveyard with many graves. On the ground there is grass. In the background there are trees and sky.

Kenya’s dementia crisis deepens without a national response plan

Dementia is swiftly emerging as a significant health concern in Kenya. Globally, over 55 million people live with this condition, projected to become the third leading cause of death by 2040. Kenya, however, lacks a national plan to tackle this growing issue.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has taken steps to address dementia worldwide. In 2017, they launched the Global action plan on the public health response to dementia. As of 2024, only 45 out of 194 WHO member states had national dementia plans, with no African countries included. Kenya, unfortunately, remains without such a plan.

Stigma and lack of awareness are substantial barriers to early diagnosis and care in Kenya. Without a national dementia plan, the country's 55 million people living with dementia face high treatment costs, with the burden falling on affected individuals and their carers. The global cost of dementia is expected to soar from $1.3 trillion in 2019 to $2.8 trillion by 2030, highlighting the urgent need for action.

A national dementia plan could transform Kenya's response to this growing health challenge. By enhancing prevention, treatment, and care, and fostering dementia-friendly communities, such a plan could reduce stigma, improve access to care, and lessen the financial burden on those affected. Collaboration between government and non-governmental partners is crucial to make this a reality.