Diabetes is tightening its grip on Kenyan families, often going unnoticed until it is too late.
Many people are living with the condition without knowing it, largely because they cannot access routine screening. For those diagnosed, the high cost of essential drugs, including insulin, keeps proper treatment out of reach.
But on Sunday in Mombasa, a group of residents chose to act.
At Burhani Sports Ground, members of the Dawoodi Bohra Community gathered for a walkathon and cyclothon, turning a simple act—walking—into a message of hope in the fight against diabetes.
“Physical activity is essential. Even simple walking can go a long way in preventing diabetes,” said Luvay Hamid, a dental and implant surgeon.
The event, held to mark World Health Day, also offered free screening and health education, bringing services closer to people who might otherwise go without.
Hamid stressed that early detection can make all the difference.
“Early detection saves lives. Events like this bring healthcare closer to people who may not otherwise seek it,” he said.
For many, the day was not just about exercise, but about taking control of their health.
Mustansir Zakiuddin, chairman of the Dawoodi Bohra Community in Mombasa, said the initiative was designed to encourage simple, everyday actions.
“By combining physical activity with basic screening, we are making preventive care more accessible and part of everyday life,” he said.
The effort is part of the community’s wider outreach under Project Rise, which includes screening camps, awareness drives and surgical camps across the country.
Community secretary Sheikh Zoeb Ezzi said their approach is also rooted in guidance from their spiritual leader, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, who emphasises healthy living.
“We are encouraged to maintain proper diets, exercise regularly, and pray daily. These practices contribute to overall wellbeing,” he said.
Mombasa county transport executive Dan Manyala said lasting change will depend on communities working together.
“We must ensure equity in healthcare and work together as communities,” he said, adding that the county is investing in pedestrian walkways to make it safer for people to walk.
For Major (rtd) Idriss Abdirahman, chair of the Mombasa Walk Movement, the message is simple.
Walking, he said, is one of the easiest ways people can protect their health.
“It is easy to do and plays a key role in keeping people healthy,” he said.
