Dj VnyashA new report from the Cigna International Health Study 2024 has disclosed that 84% of employees in Kenya experience high levels of stress. Despite an improvement in the overall well-being index, which rose from 50 points in 2023 to 61 points in 2024, financial difficulties and the rising cost of living remain the primary drivers of stress.
The study, which involved over 10,000 participants across 11 global markets, evaluated well-being across eight categories: emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual.
Key findings include a disparity between genders, with 89% of employed women in Kenya reporting stress, compared to 81% of employed men. The stress levels among men decreased by 13 points compared to last year, while for women, the reduction was a modest six points. Women also reported lower mental well-being scores than men, which has contributed to declining productivity. In 2024, mental well-being was rated at 54%, indicating it remains a significant concern.
On a positive note, 57% of Kenyan employees believe their managers are genuinely concerned about their mental health and well-being, the highest figure in the region. However, financial stress and the high cost of living make maintaining a healthy lifestyle difficult for many.
Job insecurity also emerged as a challenge, with Kenya reporting the highest rate of nonpermanent employment globally at 23%. Only 17% of employees felt positive about their financial well-being, and 65% cited financial insecurity and living costs as their primary stressors.
While the physical vitality of Kenyans declined slightly from 79.9 in 2023 to 79.4 in 2024, physical well-being saw a 64% surge, surpassing the global average of 44%. Kenyan employees reported better metrics for healthy weight (53% vs. a global average of 36%), balanced diets (49% vs. 35%), and quality sleep (49% vs. 34%). Women’s physical health improved significantly, increasing by 19%, with younger adults (ages 18-24) benefiting the most.
Social well-being, however, is under strain. 43% of respondents reported reducing social activities, and 40% lost interest in personal hobbies due to stress. Additionally, while Kenyan families remain close-knit and contribute to resilience, loneliness is increasingly eroding their overall well-being.
