Are Kenya’s roads safe for people living with epilepsy?

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Kenya is intensifying efforts to address epilepsy following new findings that reveal a major gap in diagnosis and treatment across the country. The condition is now gaining renewed attention from health stakeholders due to its widespread impact.

A study under the Epilepsy Pathway Innovation in Africa (EPInA) project shows that up to 80 percent of people living with convulsive epilepsy remain undiagnosed or untreated. This highlights a significant treatment gap that continues to affect thousands of families.

The project brings together the World Health Organization (WHO), KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, the Ministry of Health and other partners to strengthen epilepsy care in Kenya. The collaboration focuses on improving prevention, diagnosis, treatment and long-term management.

Researchers say the condition is more common than previously thought, with estimates suggesting up to 2pc of the population could be affected. In Kenya, this translates to hundreds of thousands, and possibly millions, of people living with epilepsy.

Beyond the numbers, experts warn that the biggest challenge lies in the treatment gap driven by stigma, lack of awareness and limited access to care. Many patients fail to seek medical help due to misconceptions surrounding the condition.

Explaining the scale of the problem, researchers note that epilepsy is not only widespread but also largely manageable if properly diagnosed and treated. Early detection and consistent medication can significantly improve outcomes.

“Up to 80 percent of people with epilepsy in Kenya are not receiving treatment, yet seizures can be controlled in about 70 percent of cases if the right care is given,” said Dr Symon Kariuki.

To bridge this gap, the EPInA project has introduced a series of innovations aimed at improving detection and management of the condition. These interventions are already being piloted in selected regions.

These include digital dashboards to track cases at county level, SMS reminders to support treatment adherence, and a mobile application to help frontline health workers diagnose epilepsy more accurately. The tools are designed to strengthen decision-making and patient follow-up.

The project is also investing in training healthcare workers, particularly at the primary care level, to ensure patients are identified early and linked to treatment. This is expected to reduce delays in diagnosis and improve access to care.

Officials say strengthening the health system is key to ensuring epilepsy care is accessible and sustainable across the country. Increased investment and coordination are seen as critical to closing the treatment gap.

“The evidence we now have provides a strong foundation for reforms that can improve timely and equitable access to epilepsy care,” said KEMRI Director General Prof Elijah Songok.

Community experiences are also shaping the response, with more than 100 personal stories collected from people living with epilepsy to help tackle stigma and inform policy. These narratives highlight the lived realities behind the statistics.

For many families, the burden goes beyond health, affecting education, employment and social inclusion. Patients and caregivers often face discrimination in schools, workplaces and communities.

Caregivers, in particular, carry a heavy responsibility, balancing medical care with daily survival needs. This often leads to emotional strain and financial pressure within households.

Advocates say awareness remains one of the most powerful tools in changing perceptions and encouraging people to seek medical help. Public education campaigns are being expanded to address myths and misconceptions.

“Epilepsy is a medical condition, not a curse or a form of possession, and with proper treatment many patients can live normal, productive lives,” said epilepsy awareness advocate Frederick Beuchi.

While these efforts are beginning to improve care, concerns are emerging about safety in everyday environments, including public roads. Experts warn that risks extend beyond the home and into public spaces.

Uncontrolled seizures can lead to serious accidents, especially when individuals are walking near traffic or involved in transport activities. This raises broader concerns about safety measures and awareness in public spaces.

As Kenya strengthens its response to epilepsy, attention is now shifting beyond healthcare to broader public safety and policy considerations. We are beginning to question how well existing systems protect vulnerable individuals.

Are Kenya’s roads safe for people living with epilepsy, and what measures should be put in place to protect them and others?