Hello there! I’m Justa Kajuju Mwenda from Kenya. I’m currently pursuing a master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration at Kenyatta University. I was diagnosed with diabetes at a very young age, and this experience inspired me to advocate for young people living with diabetes—especially within Kenyan tertiary institutions.
Through awareness campaigns and education, I work to end stigma, improve insulin access, promote early interventions, and encourage inclusivity of all stakeholders in university settings. I aim to ensure that students managing diabetes receive the support they need to thrive academically and socially.
In Kenya, about 813,000 adults are living with diabetes. Of these, roughly 54 % are undiagnosed—meaning approximately 435,000 people are unaware they have the condition. While most cases are type 2 diabetes, an estimated 5,600 children and adolescents are living with type 1 diabetes.
These figures highlight critical gaps in awareness, early detection and support networks. Through advocacy, I aim to challenge current norms, reduce healthcare costs and build a stronger, more compassionate diabetes community for university students in Kenya. It is not a fight ,it is not seen but we live each day to manage diabetes. Diabetes is part of our life!
“I was diagnosed with diabetes at a very young age, and this experience inspired me to advocate for young people living with diabetes—especially within Kenyan tertiary institutions.”