Decade of diabetes dialogue: KDSG conference set for May in Naivasha

The Kenya Diabetes Study Group (KDSG) will mark a decade of engagement in diabetes care with its 10th Annual conference, a 4 days Celebration event beginning on 7th – 10th May 2025 at Lake Naivasha Resort.

Themed “A Decade in Diabetes Care,” the 2025 event comes at a critical time, as Kenya and the wider region grapple with the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. Diabetes, in particular, remains a significant public health challenge, with rising cases reported across both urban and rural areas.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body is unable to properly process glucose (sugar), either due to insufficient insulin production or ineffective insulin use. This leads to elevated blood sugar levels, which over time can cause serious health complications, including heart disease, kidney failure, and vision loss.

Recent data indicates that the prevalence of diabetes in Kenya has been on the rise. According to the World Bank, the prevalence of diabetes among adults aged 20 to 79 was 4.0% in 2021. Kenya had approximately 821,500 adults living with diabetes in 2021, representing about 3% of the adult population. However, other sources suggest that the current prevalence may be closer to 4.5%, with a higher prevalence in urban areas compared to rural ones.

The economic burden of diabetes is also substantial. A 2021 study estimated the total cost of managing type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Kenya at approximately US$635 million (Sh74.5 billion), accounting for about 60% of the country's health sector budget. The majority of these costs were attributed to complications, particularly nephropathy.

KDSG President, Dr. Rosslyn Ngugi, in a welcome message, said the celebration would provide an opportunity to reflect on how far the country has come in diabetes care over the past ten years—and what more needs to be done.

“This year’s event is particularly special as we reflect on a decade of advancements, challenges, and milestones in diabetes care,” said Dr. Ngugi. “While we celebrate our achievements, we must recommit ourselves to the work that lies ahead.”

The event is expected to bring together healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers for presentations and strategy discussions aimed at improving diabetes outcomes in Kenya. The agenda includes sessions on emerging treatment approaches, digital health tools, and community-level interventions.

Dr. Ngugi also emphasized the importance of learning from the lived experiences of people managing diabetes daily, noting their resilience and role in shaping future approaches to care.

The event will commemorate a decade of Diabetes fight by KDSG, while also providing a strategic platform to foster new partnerships and innovative solutions in response to one of Kenya’s most pressing health challenges. The gathering will underscore the growing urgency surrounding access, affordability, and public awareness of diabetes care.

 Kenya Diabetes Study Group President, Dr. Rosslyn Ngugi