Kenya’s efforts to improve eye health have delivered measurable results over the years, but access to treatment continues to lag behind, leaving many people without timely care despite the availability of simple solutions.
According to the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness report, the country has reduced blindness prevalence from 0.7 per cent in the 1990s to 0.37 per cent today, reflecting a 47 per cent drop over time.
The findings were shared during discussions in Nairobi involving international eye health partners and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, as preparations intensify for a global eye health meeting set for June.
The session, supported by Fred Hollows Foundation Kenya alongside other stakeholders and officials from the Ministry of Health, examined both progress made and challenges that remain.
Duale noted that improvements in eye health have wider benefits beyond clinical care.
“Eye health is not just a medical issue; it is central to education outcomes, work productivity, road safety and our country’s economic resilience,” the CS said.
“Over the past three decades, we have reduced the prevalence of blindness in Kenya by nearly 50 per cent, demonstrating what strong partnerships and government commitment can achieve.”
Despite these gains, the report shows that access to services remains low, with only about 20 per cent of people able to obtain eye care.
It further indicates that the majority of blindness cases, over 80 per cent, result from conditions that can be treated or prevented, such as cataract, refractive errors and glaucoma.
Older adults are the most affected group, with about 2.87 per cent of those aged 50 and above living with blindness. The data also reveals stark differences between regions, with Turkana County reporting 6.2 per cent compared to 0.8 per cent in Nakuru County.
Visual impairment affects a significant portion of the population, with rates ranging from 11 per cent in some counties to 37.5 per cent in others.
Many of these conditions could be addressed through straightforward interventions, yet several obstacles prevent people from seeking or receiving care.
The report highlights financial constraints as the main barrier, along with limited awareness and what is described as “unfelt need,” where individuals do not pursue treatment even when they experience symptoms.
Shortages of trained eye care professionals also remain a concern. In Vihiga County, one ophthalmologist serves close to 600,000 residents, pointing to gaps in workforce distribution that affect service delivery.
