The government is developing a national action plan to tackle anaemia, which continues to affect women, children and adolescents across the country.
Kenya is stepping up efforts to combat anaemia, with the government working on a national action plan to address one of the country’s persistent public health challenges.
The initiative comes amid concerns over the high prevalence of anaemia among young children and women of reproductive age, with health experts warning that the condition can affect maternal health, child development, learning and productivity.
On October 2, 2026, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with international nutrition organisation Nutrition International, announced progress towards developing a National Anaemia Action Plan following a two-day consultation held on September 8 and 9. The meeting brought together stakeholders from health, agriculture, education, water and sanitation, and social protection to examine the causes of anaemia and identify interventions to reduce its prevalence.
The consultation reviewed findings from an analysis of national health data that estimated anaemia prevalence at 54 per cent among children aged six to 59 months in Kenya, rising to 67 per cent among children aged six to 23 months.
The findings also indicated that anaemia among women of reproductive age remains a concern, reinforcing the need for targeted interventions across different population groups.
Anaemia occurs when the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin to transport adequate oxygen to its tissues. Although iron deficiency is a leading cause, the condition can also result from deficiencies in folate and vitamin B12, infections, chronic diseases, blood loss and inherited blood disorders.
For children, anaemia can affect physical development, attention and learning. Among pregnant women, it can increase the risk of complications, including premature birth and low birth weight. Severe anaemia can also pose serious risks to the mother, particularly during childbirth when blood loss occurs.
Iron deficiency remains an important nutritional factor. Iron is required to produce haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen around the body.
When dietary iron intake is insufficient, the body may struggle to meet its requirements, particularly during periods of rapid growth, adolescence and pregnancy, when iron needs increase.
However, experts caution that not every case of anaemia is caused by inadequate iron intake. Infections such as malaria, intestinal parasitic infections, chronic inflammation and inherited conditions affecting red blood cells may also contribute. Identifying the underlying cause is therefore essential before treatment is prescribed.
Nutrition plays an important role in prevention. Iron-rich foods include meat, fish, poultry, beans, green grams, lentils and iron-fortified cereals. Eating plant-based sources of iron alongside foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, guavas, tomatoes and sweet peppers, can improve iron absorption.
Dietary diversity is particularly important for children and adolescents, whose nutritional needs change as they grow. Pregnant women also require adequate nutrition to support their own health and the development of their unborn children.
The World Health Organization recommends daily iron and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy to help prevent maternal anaemia and improve pregnancy outcomes. Women should follow guidance from qualified healthcare professionals on supplementation and the management of diagnosed anaemia.
The government’s planned action framework is expected to draw on evidence about the different factors contributing to anaemia across the country. This is important because the causes and severity of the condition may vary between communities, requiring interventions tailored to local circumstances.
According to Nutrition International, the next stage will involve developing a prioritised and costed national action plan, with the government taking the lead and partners providing technical support.
Beyond healthcare, tackling anaemia will require coordination across several sectors. Improving access to nutritious food, strengthening food fortification, expanding nutrition education, preventing infections and improving access to healthcare services can all contribute to reducing the burden.
For families, recognising the warning signs is equally important. Symptoms may include persistent tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headaches, pale skin and shortness of breath. However, some people with anaemia may have few noticeable symptoms, making testing important when the condition is suspected.
A healthcare professional can use a blood test to assess haemoglobin levels and determine whether further investigations are necessary to identify the cause.
As Kenya advances its national response, the challenge will be translating policy commitments into practical interventions that reach vulnerable households, particularly young children, adolescent girls and pregnant women.
The stakes extend beyond individual health. Reducing anaemia could improve educational outcomes, strengthen workforce productivity and contribute to healthier families and communities.
The message is clear: tackling anaemia requires more than iron supplements. It demands early detection, better nutrition, effective healthcare and coordinated action to address the underlying causes.
Sources: Ministry of Health, Kenya; Nutrition International; World Health Organization.
