Mental Health Is Now The Top Health Priority For Kenyans As Stress Remains High

Cigna Healthcare Middle East and Africa, a global health service company, has released the Kenya findings from the Cigna International Health Study 2025, showing that Kenyans continue to demonstrate strong underlying vitality, even as rising stress, financial pressure, and barriers to accessing care place increasing strain on everyday wellbeing.

The study, which surveyed 13,000 respondents across 13 global markets, examines how vitality and well-being are evolving worldwide and how local experiences compare with broader global trends. Vitality is defined as the ability to pursue life with health, strength, and energy.

Commenting on the findings, Leah Cotterill, Chief Executive Officer, Cigna Healthcare Middle East and Africa (excl KSA), said: “Kenya continues to demonstrate strong underlying vitality, even as pressure around financial wellbeing, stress, and access to care becomes more pronounced. The level of optimism around innovation signals a strong demand for healthcare that is more accessible, timely, and responsive to people’s needs. For us at Cigna, this reinforces the importance of taking practical action that makes care easier to access and navigate, better supporting people as day-to-day pressures intensify.”

Key findings of the Cigna International Health Study 2025: Kenya

• Vitality score: 79.3 in 2025, third globally and well above the global average of 63.2
• Overall wellbeing: 63%, ranking Kenya third globally.
• Stress: 87% of employees report experiencing stress, driven largely by personal finances and cost of living; with stress reported to be highest in 18-24 age group
• Mental health: ranked the top health priority by 38%of Kenyans, significantly higher than global average of 25%
• AI in healthcare: Kenya is the most optimistic market globally, with 78 percent reporting positive or highly positive attitudes
• Financial wellbeing: 15%, the lowest-rated wellbeing pillar and well below the global average
• Access to care: 39% needed care but did not receive it, while 40 percent were unable to access required medication due to cost.

Strong vitality, but pressure is rising

In Kenya, vitality remains a clear strength. The country recorded a vitality score of 79.3 in 2025, stable compared with the previous year and ranking third across all surveyed markets. Overall well-being stands at 63%, placing Kenya among the top-performing markets globally, supported by strong family, physical, and spiritual well-being.

However, the findings also highlight rising strain beneath the surface. Mental health has emerged as the number one health priority for Kenyans, cited by 38%of respondents, compared with 25%globally. Stress levels are high, with 87% reporting stress, driven primarily by financial pressure, cost-of-living concerns, and uncertainty about the future.

Financial well-being remains the weakest pillar in Kenya, rated at just 15% and well below the global average. The impact is uneven. Younger adults aged 18 to 24 report the highest stress levels and notable declines across mental, physical, and family wellbeing, pointing to growing vulnerability among younger groups alongside broader financial strain across the population.

Access challenges persist, but optimism around innovation is high

Access to healthcare remains a significant challenge. 39% of Kenyans said there was a time in the past year when they needed care but did not receive it, while 40%were unable to access required medication. Delays to care were linked to negative impacts on both health and work-life balance, reinforcing access as a practical wellbeing and productivity issue. Reflecting this, nearly half (48%) of employees rank healthcare as the most important workplace benefit.

Despite these challenges, the findings point to strong optimism about the role of innovation in addressing access gaps. Kenya emerges as the most optimistic market globally when it comes to artificial intelligence in healthcare, with respondents expecting AI to reduce waiting times, improve diagnostic accuracy, and expand access to care, particularly for underserved and remote communities.

Workplace wellbeing shows resilience under pressure

Other findings from the study point to a workforce that remains highly engaged despite demanding expectations. Most working respondents report long working hours, yet enthusiasm and commitment remain high, and job satisfaction is broadly in line with global levels. Improvements in manager support are also evident, particularly around understanding time off and personal commitments, although retention risks persist as many workers continue to consider new opportunities.

Collectively, the findings show Kenya maintaining a strong vitality score, while pressure around mental health, financial well-being, and access to care continues to build. To read the full Cigna Health International Health Study, please click here.

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