Description
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), a chronic condition primarily diagnosed in children and adolescents, presents a growing public health and economic challenge in Kenya. As part of the broader diabetes burden affecting 4% of adults aged 20–79 in 2021, the prevalence and projected increase in diabetes-related mortality—estimated at 92% in low-income countries by 2040—underscore the urgency for targeted investments.
This investment case presents a five-year Return on Investment (ROI) analysis for scaling up T1D care in Kenya. The study estimates that an investment of KSh 9.045 billion is required, against current spending of KSh 3.574 billion, leaving a funding gap of KSh 5.471 billion. Despite this gap, the proposed interventions could avert 411 deaths and 17,819 complications, resulting in over 143,000 Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) saved. With a cost per DALY averted of KSh 91,398 (US$ 737), the projected benefit-cost ratio stands at 7:1—indicating that every shilling invested yields seven shillings in return through reduced complications and improved quality of life.
The findings advocate for increased and sustainable investments in T1D programs, highlighting the need for stronger collaboration between national and county governments, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and alignment with global NCD targets. The report calls for prioritization of T1D within national health strategies and the mobilization of both domestic and external financing, including research funding to further quantify productivity gains linked to improved T1D management.
This ROI analysis provides compelling evidence that strategic investment in T1D not only improves health outcomes but also offers high economic value, strengthening the case for its inclusion in Kenya’s broader NCD response framework.
| Country | Kenya |
|---|---|
| Organization | Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) |
| Position | Project Coordinator |
| Received a Grant? | Yes |
| If yes, give grant details | It is a funded project under CDiC and WDF20-1799 project |
