MS in Kenya is likely vastly underdiagnosed. According to the Atlas of MS, only about 200 people are officially recorded as living with multiple sclerosis — in a country of almost 58 million inhabitants. The true number is almost certainly much higher. Across Kenya, especially in rural regions, there are very few neurologists, limited access to MRI scanners and months-long waiting times for specialist care.
For many Kenyans, daily survival comes first. Families often need to prioritise buying food over paying for transport or medical consultations far from home. As a result, countless people with neurological symptoms may never reach a specialist who could diagnose MS. In rural communities especially, the chance of receiving an MS diagnosis is close to zero.
Misunderstandings and stigma add further barriers. Symptoms commonly associated with MS are sometimes interpreted as witchcraft or harmful spiritual forces. This can lead to social exclusion, strained marriages or even people being cast out of their communities.
This is the reality that Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen is determined to change. As a reverend, public health practitioner and community educator, he works closely with religious leaders to replace fear with knowledge and to help communities understand that MS is a neurological condition — not a curse.
His commitment is shaped by his own long struggle with severe headaches and neurological symptoms, years of uncertainty and misdiagnoses, and the financial and emotional burden of seeking specialist care both in Kenya and abroad.
By combining faith-based engagement, public health expertise and lived experience, Rev. Kigen is helping to build a new foundation of awareness, dignity and hope for people with MS in Kenya — especially those who have long remained unseen.
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About Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen is a Kenyan public health and population policy leader who works at the intersection of:
public and planetary health,
gender justice, and
faith-based and community engagement.
He grew up in a rural, polygamous family, is married and a father of three. Much of his life has been shaped by severe, recurring headaches and other neurological symptoms – experiences that first limited his education and later drove him into health advocacy. Today, he serves in the national government, teaches health-related programmes and volunteers in hospitals, especially with people affected by cancer, HIV and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including MS.
Introduction & Personal Insights
Would you like to briefly introduce yourself?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: I am a Kenyan reverend and public health practitioner, working mainly in rural areas. I grew up in a polygamous family, and I’m married with three children – one son and two daughters. My life has always been closely connected to the church, which is why I became a reverend. At the same time, I now work in a multidisciplinary field that combines faith, community and health.
You work at the intersection of public health, planetary health, gender justice and faith. What inspired this unique combination?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: As a child, I suffered from severe headaches for many years. We lived in a rural area with poor access to specialists and medication, so I often missed school or could not concentrate. Even later, as a young adult, I struggled but could not afford to see neurologists.
In my work as a pastor, I spent a lot of time visiting people in hospital – especially those with cancer, HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses. I prayed with them and used my theological training for counselling. But at some point, I realised: prayer alone is not enough. We also need to understand causes, health systems and social determinants.
That’s why I started additional training in palliative care, public health and public policy. I wanted to learn how to:
support people with chronic conditions more effectively,
communicate with healthcare professionals, and
engage policymakers and religious leaders in a constructive way.
You’ve experienced neurological symptoms yourself. How has this influenced your view of MS?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: My own history with neurological problems has been painful and complicated. For a long time, I had constant headaches and later issues with speech and memory. When I finally managed to see neurologists in national and private hospitals, the diagnosis remained unclear.
Different doctors suggested bipolar disorder, migraine or possibly multiple sclerosis. MRI scans were frightening – alone in a noisy machine in an unfamiliar room – and even after travelling to India for further tests, I did not receive a clear diagnosis.
Because I could not easily afford private care or international travel, I experienced firsthand what long waiting times, unclear diagnoses and financial barriers mean for patients. Today, this makes me especially sensitive to the situation of people with MS and other neurological diseases in low-resource settings.
What motivates you to advocate for people living with MS in Kenya?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: Several experiences came together:
A relative of mine lived for years with MS, was misdiagnosed and received the wrong treatment until the community organised a fundraising to help her.
In my volunteer work in hospitals, I met people with MS and their caregivers and listened to their stories of pain, stigma and financial hardship.
I realised that even some healthcare workers hardly knew about MS, and in rural communities symptoms were sometimes explained as witchcraft or demons.
These voices convinced me there is a missing link:
too little awareness,
too little research and data,
too little policy attention, especially for rehabilitation and long-term support.
For the last three years, I have therefore focused my research, teaching and advocacy on MS and neurological health – combining my roles as public health professional, policy advisor and faith leader.
MS in Low-Resource Settings
What are the biggest challenges people with MS face in Kenya when seeking diagnosis?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: Kenya’s health system is structured in levels: from small dispensaries and health centres up to big national referral hospitals. Most people first go to primary care facilities where there are no neurologists and only basic medications like painkillers.
Key challenges include:
Few specialists: Neurologists are rare and concentrated in urban areas.
Long waiting times: In large public hospitals, it can take six months or even a year to see a neurologist.
Financial barriers: Many people must decide between buying food and paying for transport or tests such as MRI scans.
Weak data: National statistics for MS are incomplete. Official estimates mention about 200 people, but real numbers are likely much higher, especially in rural communities.
Because of these factors, many people are misdiagnosed or remain undiagnosed for years.
What does a typical journey from symptoms to treatment look like in Kenya?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: In reality, most people wait until symptoms are severe before they visit a health facility – partly due to poverty and partly due to low awareness. They might visit a dispensary, receive painkillers and be referred on, but each referral takes time and money.
If they finally reach a national hospital in a city, they may need to:
queue overnight just to register,
wait months for an appointment with a neurologist,
pay out-of-pocket for investigations that are not fully covered by insurance.
For those who can afford private care, access is somewhat easier, but still expensive. Some patients are even advised to travel abroad – for example to India or South Africa – for better diagnostic services or specialised treatment. For most families, this is simply not realistic.
What treatment, rehabilitation or psychological support options exist for people with MS in Kenya?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: The medications available for MS in Kenya are broadly similar to those in other countries, but they are often only accessible through neurologists in large hospitals and are very expensive. Insurance coverage is limited, and many people pay a lot out-of-pocket or depend on donated medicines.
In terms of rehabilitation, there are specialists who can help with walking aids, wheelchairs and physiotherapy, but:
devices are rarely subsidised,
families often must purchase them themselves,
and there is no strong government structure dedicated to rehabilitation support.
For psychological and emotional support, families, religious leaders and community members play an important role. Yet many of them still lack information about MS and may interpret symptoms as spiritual problems rather than medical issues. That’s one reason why Rev. Kigen works with churches and local leaders: to reduce stigma and promote understanding.
Are there stories that particularly illustrate barriers or resilience?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: One example is my relative with MS who was misdiagnosed for a long time. Because of limited financial resources and lack of specialised care, she received inappropriate treatments. Only after the community mobilised funds was she able to access better care.
Her story mirrors my own – travelling long distances, facing unclear diagnoses and trying different medications that sometimes caused serious side effects such as temporary loss of speech or consciousness. These experiences represent not only barriers but also resilience: families, churches and communities often step in when the formal system is insufficient.
Advocacy, Awareness & Hope
What urgent changes are needed in Kenya’s healthcare system for better MS care?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: From my perspective, several changes are crucial:
Stronger primary healthcare:
Integrate MS and neurological conditions into primary care so that symptoms are recognised early.
Train community health workers to identify red flags and refer appropriately.
More specialists and better distribution:
Increase the number of neurologists and neuro-specialised nurses.
Incentivise deployment beyond major cities.
Shorter waiting times and better referral systems:
Streamline booking processes for specialist appointments and MRI.
Financial protection:
Strengthen universal health coverage schemes so that diagnostics, medications and rehabilitation for MS become affordable, especially in rural areas.
How can local communities, churches and grassroots networks support people with MS?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: In Kenya, almost everyone belongs to a religious community or social network. These structures are powerful and can:
host medical camps where doctors visit rural areas for check-ups and counselling,
provide health talks in local languages,
build support groups that fight stigma and isolation,
identify vulnerable families and link them to services.
We work with religious leaders, village elders and community health volunteers to make them champions for NCDs, including MS, cancer and diabetes. When trusted voices understand that MS is a neurological disease – not witchcraft – acceptability and support grow.
What role do international partnerships and global MS communities play?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: International organisations and global MS networks are extremely important. They contribute by:
sharing up-to-date information on diagnostics, treatment and research,
offering training and scholarships to people from low- and middle-income countries,
supporting projects and sometimes donating medications,
creating platforms where advocates can learn from each other.
For example, conferences such as ECTRIMS/ACTRIMS and online courses like the “Understanding MS” programme from the Menzies Institute in Tasmania have helped me deepen my knowledge. I now use this knowledge to train others and to inform policy discussions in Kenya.
Are there current awareness or advocacy efforts in Kenya that make a difference?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: Yes. There are several organisations, such as an MS Society and an MS Foundation in Kenya, which bring together people with MS, caregivers and supporters. They organise:
events around World MS Day,
local meetings and WhatsApp groups,
media appearances on radio and TV in local languages.
I am particularly focused on involving religious leaders in advocacy, so that sermons and community meetings become places where MS is correctly understood and people with MS are welcomed rather than rejected.
Living with Uncertainty & Supporting Others
From your personal journey, what helped you cope with uncertainty and frustration?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: A key turning point for me was acceptance. For a long time, I lived in denial about my neurological problems. Once I accepted my situation, I could start fighting for a better life.
What helped me was:
a positive attitude,
staying informed – reading about my condition and available options,
focusing on nutrition, physical activity and rest,
building a social support network of family, colleagues and friends.
I learned that experience – even painful experience – can be used to help others. Many strong advocates are people who have lived through these challenges and now share their stories openly.
What mental or emotional support structures exist for people with chronic conditions like MS?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: Mental health is still under-recognised in Kenya. In some communities, depression or anxiety are still interpreted as spiritual problems. Historically, there was little budget allocated to mental health services, especially at county level.
However, there is now a national mental health policy, and awareness is slowly growing. For people with MS, the challenge is often a double crisis: physical symptoms plus mental stress due to uncertainty, lack of support and financial pressures.
We are working to:
educate religious leaders so that they understand mental health as a medical issue,
reduce stigma around psychological support,
ensure that mental health is included in health planning and budgets.
What advice would you give to individuals with MS who feel discouraged or overwhelmed?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: My main message is:
Accept your situation – and then actively work for your own wellbeing.
This means:
Don’t live in denial; acknowledge what is happening.
Follow your medication plan and regularly see healthcare professionals if possible.
Focus on what you can do: simple exercises, rest, balanced nutrition, stress reduction.
Build connections: talk to friends, family, professionals and peer groups. Do not isolate yourself.
A positive attitude will not remove all challenges, but it can help you live longer, better and more peacefully with MS.
What do family members and caregivers need to know to better support someone with MS?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: Families are often the closest and most important support system. They need to understand that MS is a real neurological condition, not a curse or punishment. With proper counselling and information, they can:
learn which activities their loved one can still do and where they need help,
adjust expectations and responsibilities at home,
avoid blaming, shaming or abandoning the person with MS.
In my own life, my family has supported me practically – even helping with basic tasks such as washing clothes when my symptoms were severe. Honest communication within the family can prevent separations and breakdowns and instead create solidarity.
Future Vision & Final Messages
What developments would you most like to see in the MS field in Kenya over the next five years?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: In the next five years, I would like to see:
MS integrated into primary healthcare – so that information, early detection and basic support are available close to where people live.
A clear MS registry – to understand prevalence, access, treatment and outcomes.
More trained professionals – neurologists, specialised nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists and community health workers.
Better access to medications and rehabilitation devices – including affordable wheelchairs, walking aids and other equipment.
If you could speak directly to policymakers or funders, what would you say about MS and health equity?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: I would thank them for current efforts towards universal health coverage – and then urge them to go further:
allocate more resources to rural and decentralised levels,
include MS and neurological conditions explicitly in policies and budgets,
fund training opportunities and short courses for health workers, psychologists and community leaders,
support research that connects MS with environmental and planetary health issues.
Training and information can be offered at low cost through virtual formats and partnerships with universities and international organisations. Information is powerful – it changes practice.
Where can people learn more about your work or contact you?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: You can find me online by searching for “Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen”. I am active on LinkedIn and other platforms, and I am always open to:
collaboration on research and advocacy,
partnerships on planetary health, environmental health and MS,
co-authoring articles, especially on indigenous perspectives and access to care.
People can reach me via email, WhatsApp or social media – I am happy to support others freely, just as many people have supported me without asking for anything in return.
Finally, what message of hope would you like to share with people living with MS?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: You are not alone. Many others are walking this path with you – in Kenya, in Africa and around the world.
Be strong and courageous, whatever stage of MS you are in. Accept that MS is part of your life, but do not let it define your entire identity. Talk to others, share your experience, seek support, follow treatment, take care of your nutrition and mental health.
MS is not the end of everything. Others have found ways to live meaningful, joyful lives with MS – and you can, too.
Quickfire Q&A Session
One word that describes your advocacy work?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: Hope.
Biggest barrier for MS care in Kenya?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: Access – to specialists, diagnostics and affordable medication.
Most powerful resource in rural communities?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: People – families, churches and local leaders.
Your personal coping key?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: Acceptance and a positive attitude.
Your wish for the MS community?
Rev. Kipchirchir Kigen: That no one faces MS in silence or shame.
See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele
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