A transformative, community-driven nutrition program in Moiben Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County, is redefining how rural communities tackle Type 2 diabetes.
The initiative, titled “Community-Based Dietary Intervention for Type 2 Diabetes Control in Rural Kenya: Evidence from Moiben Sub-County,” was presented by Ann Sirma, hospital nurse manager at Mama Rachel Ruto Maternity Hospital, during the 2nd Nairobi Health Scientific Conference.
Sirma’s presentation highlighted the power of locally tailored solutions in combating lifestyle diseases.
How the Rural Diet Initiative is helping in the fight against diabetes
Through the program, communities in Moiben have embraced healthier eating habits, locally sourced foods, and sustainable lifestyle changes — leading to measurable improvements in blood sugar management and overall well-being.
“This study proves that diabetes control doesn’t have to rely solely on medication — informed dietary choices and community participation can make a real difference,” said Sirma, emphasising the importance of health education at the grassroots level.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Uasin Gishu County Government, Moi University’s Africa Health Collaborative Project, and the Mastercard Foundation. Together, they are working to strengthen community health systems, empower healthcare providers, and promote evidence-based interventions that are both sustainable and culturally relevant.
By leveraging community networks and nutrition education, the program has enabled residents to adopt balanced diets using affordable and accessible local foods — a strategy that not only improves health outcomes but also supports local farmers and food systems.
Impact of Moiben’s Rural Diet Initiative
The success story from Moiben Sub-County now serves as a model for other regions across Kenya, demonstrating how partnerships between county governments, academia, and development partners can create lasting impact in chronic disease management.
As the conference brought together health experts and researchers under the theme “Advancing Universal Health Coverage Through Research, Innovation and Partnerships,” Sirma’s presentation stood out as a beacon of what community-led health initiatives can achieve.
“Empowering communities with knowledge is the first step toward a healthier future,” Sirma concluded, calling for continued investment in community-based health interventions to combat non-communicable diseases nationwide.
