By Magdalene Wanja - Reporter
Kenya, 23 April 2026 - The number of recorded cases of diabetes among young children in Kenya has been rising.
Alarmingly, this trend is not limited to toddlers; it also affects teenagers, including those in boarding schools.
This raises a pressing question: are schools adequately prepared to care for students living with diabetes?
The Growing Concern
The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (2022) noted that chronic conditions such as diabetes are becoming more common among children and adolescents.
This highlights the urgent need for greater institutional preparedness.
For boarding students, the challenge is intensified by limited parental oversight and greater reliance on school systems for daily care.
Voices from the Surveys
A cross-sectional survey of teachers in Kenyan schools revealed mixed levels of knowledge and preparedness.
One teacher admitted: “We know diabetes is serious, but most of us have never been trained on how to respond to an emergency in class.”
Another respondent emphasised the need for awareness: “If schools had regular workshops, we would feel more confident in supporting diabetic students.”
The survey also found that while some teachers recognised the importance of dietary management, others struggled to adapt school meal schedules to meet medical needs.
Boarding schools, in particular, were identified as environments where rigid routines often clash with the flexibility required for effective diabetes care.
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The Ministry’s Perspective
The Ministry of Health has acknowledged the growing burden. At a 2025 conference, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga stated: “We have made significant progress in public education on diabetes. A key achievement is the deployment of 107,000 Community Health Promoters, each equipped with a glucometer and essential testing supplies.”
While this effort strengthens community-level care, questions remain about whether schools — especially boarding institutions — are equally equipped.
Why It Matters
Diabetes management is not merely a medical issue; it is also a matter of inclusion, safety, and equal opportunity.
A student’s ability to thrive academically and socially depends on whether their health needs are adequately met. Without proper support, diabetic students risk both medical emergencies and social isolation.
Recommendations
Training: Schools should provide teachers and staff with training in basic diabetes care and emergency response.
Meal Flexibility: Boarding schools must adapt meal schedules to accommodate medical needs.
Care Plans: Collaboration between parents, healthcare providers, and schools is essential.
Awareness Campaigns: Reducing stigma among peers can foster greater empathy and inclusion.