Busia and Bungoma counties joined the world in commemorating World Hypertension Day 2026 under the theme “Controlling Hypertension Together,”
The two counties marked the day through community outreach activities aimed at promoting early screening, healthier diets, physical activity, and increased awareness of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
The commemoration of the event was made possible by the county governments of Busia and Bungoma, SAF Africa through the NICE project and other local stakeholder in the health sector.
In Busia County, the Department of Health and Sanitation held a community awareness event at Butula KMTC Grounds that brought together healthcare workers, Community Health Promoters (CHPs), Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) students, county leadership, and community members. Residents benefited from free screening for blood pressure and diabetes nutrition assessment and counselling, aerobics, and a health walk aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles. A radio talk show on Busia Border FM also extended awareness messages to an estimated 40,000 listeners.
The event highlighted hypertension as a growing public health concern globally and locally. In Kenya, one in every four adults aged between 30 and 60 years has hypertension. Health officials noted that hypertension remains a “silent killer” because many people do not experience symptoms until complications occur, making regular screening critical for early detection and management.
Bungoma County commemorated the day through an integrated hypertension, diabetes and other health screening services event that attracted hundreds of residents. County health officials also emphasized the important role of Community Health Promoters (CHPs), in strengthening grassroots awareness, prevention, and early screening.
The commemorations in both counties demonstrated the important role of community awareness, early screening, and healthier diets in preventing hypertension and reducing the growing burden of diet related NCDs.