Dr Edris Omondi (Advocate)
(Strategic Thinker, Author, Motivational Speaker, Preacher and a Lawyer)
I come to you not just as a concerned citizen, but as someone who has battled obesity firsthand, with limited success. Whether out of genes or life style injection of it, it is real within my community. The Luo Community.
For years, I have tried various diets, workouts, and wellness trends. I’ve joined gyms, walked through the parks of Kisumu, and even tried home-based routines. But like many in our county, the battle is bigger than me. It is a structural problem. One rooted in our current lifestyles, poor nutrition, limited access to professional physical training, and poverty.
We Are Sitting on a Health Time Bomb
Recent statistics from the Kenya STEP wise Survey (2021) revealed that over 27% of Kenyan adults are overweight, and 8% are obese. In urban counties like Kisumu, this figure is likely higher. Among the 30 to 50-year-olds—the most economically active group—the numbers are staggering, with up to 35% showing unhealthy weight levels.
Obesity is no longer a cosmetic issue—it’s a health crisis.
Mortality rates from obesity-related conditions are rising, including:
- Hypertension
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Certain cancers
- Stroke
All of these diseases are now showing up earlier than ever before—crippling families and stretching our already burdened health system.
Why Are We Becoming an Obese County?
Diet: Due to persistent poverty, many families subsist on affordable, carb-heavy meals like ugali, mandazi, white rice, and chapati. Proteins, fruits, and vegetables remain a luxury.
Physical inactivity: A lack of affordable and accessible physical activity infrastructure discourages movement.
Urbanization: More time is spent commuting, sitting, and working, with little to no time dedicated to movement.
What Can Be Done: A Physical Health Bill for Kisumu County
Governor, your leadership could be transformative. If you prioritize a Physical Health Bill, you would not only address a growing health threat—you would create a healthier, stronger, and more economically productive population. Be the first of the Governors to lead by examples, this alone if well implemented will create jobs for our young one, enhance inter-generational relations and equity between the old and the young and off course secure you a second term.
Here’s what this bill could include:
1. Public Social Sports Halls in Every Sub-County
- Government-run, free to the public and professionally managed by certified fitness instructors and health educators
- Equipped with basic fitness gear and open space for aerobics, dance, and calisthenics
- Youth-targeted weekend programs and after-work adult sessions
2. Upgrade and Green Public Parks
- Secure, clean, and well-lit pathways for morning and evening walks.
- Regular community sports events like 5K runs, soccer leagues, and Zumba sessions
- Outdoor gym installations in existing parks
3. Nutrition and Wellness Education
- County-run mobile clinics or community health units to educate on balanced diets using locally available foods
- Incorporate healthy eating into the curriculum of primary and secondary schools
- Partner with local markets to subsidize fruits and vegetables for low-income families
4. Incentives for Participation
- Health tracking apps or cards that reward regular participation
- Partner with NHIF to offer insurance discounts for active citizens
Examples of Success
Rwanda: The “Car-Free Day” movement in Kigali—combined with mass aerobic sessions—has seen a rise in community physical activity and early health screenings.
Bogotá, Colombia: The “Ciclovía” program closes streets to cars every Sunday, allowing free movement for cyclists and joggers. This reduced obesity and improved community cohesion.
Cape Town, South Africa: Community gyms in Khayelitsha and other low-income areas are helping residents stay active at no cost.
Why This Matters for Kisumu
The question isn’t whether we can afford to invest in physical health—the real question is, can we afford not to? Obesity-related diseases are more expensive to treat than to prevent. Healthy citizens are productive citizens. And a fit Kisumu is a future-ready Kisumu.
My future Governor, your leadership on this matter will not only win votes—it will win hearts, and ultimately, lives- You will have my vote if this will be your priority clarion call.
