Residents of Bungoma County have formed a walking club aimed at combating the growing burden of lifestyle diseases, promoting physical fitness and encouraging healthier living among community members.
The initiative brings together people from different age groups and professions for regular walks, with organizers saying it seeks to address health challenges such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes and heart-related illnesses through simple but consistent physical activity.
Speaking to the press in Bungoma town on Saturday during one of the club’s weekly walks, the founder, Elphas Kahi, said the initiative was born out of concern over the increasing number of people struggling with lifestyle-related diseases and weight management issues.
Kahi explained that a group of like-minded individuals came together with the sole purpose of encouraging healthy living through exercise, noting that many people have become less physically active due to changing lifestyles and work routines.
“We realized that many people are struggling with lifestyle diseases, poor fitness levels and weight-related challenges. We thought it was important to come together and start walking as a way of keeping fit. Through regular walking, people are able to burn excess fats, improve their health and reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases,” Kahi said.
The club, which was launched five months ago started with only two members but has since experienced remarkable growth, attracting more than 100 active participants from across Bungoma County.
Kahi said the growing membership reflects an increasing awareness among residents about the importance of physical exercise and preventive healthcare.
“We are glad that people have embraced this initiative. The response has been overwhelming and encouraging. Every week we continue to receive new members who want to improve their health and fitness,” he added.
Kahi noted that the club brings together people from different walks of life, including healthcare workers, business people, students, civil servants and ordinary residents united by a common goal of improving their wellbeing.
He said the club remains open to anyone interested in improving their health, especially those living with lifestyle diseases.
“We still encourage more people to join us. Those who are struggling with lifestyle diseases should not feel isolated. We want them to come and walk with us so that together we can fight these diseases through regular exercise and healthy living,” he said.
Apart from organized walks, the club also serves as a support network where members encourage one another, share personal experiences and inspire positive lifestyle changes within the wider community.
Kahi revealed that members participate in a three-hour walk every Saturday, while shorter one-hour sessions are held during the week to accommodate those with busy schedules.
“We have a structured programme. Every Wednesday we walk in the morning, while on Thursday and Friday we meet in the evening after work and conclude at around 7 p.m. This allows members to balance their fitness activities with their daily responsibilities,” he said.
Josephine Simiyu, one of the members, commended the organizers for establishing the initiative, saying it has significantly improved her health since joining.
“When I joined this initiative, my sugar levels were very high, ranging between 24 and 29. Since I started participating in the walks, my condition has greatly improved. This morning when I tested, my sugar level was at 5.1,” she said.
Simiyu described the walking club as a life-changing programme and urged other residents battling lifestyle diseases to embrace regular exercise and join the initiative.
“I encourage anyone struggling with diabetes, weight issues or other lifestyle diseases not to stay at home. Come and join us. Walking may seem simple, but it can make a huge difference in your health and quality of life,” she said.
