Kenya reports high in vitality according to the Cigna International Health Study 2024, scoring 79.4, while overall wellbeing rose to 61 points from 50 in 2023. However, stress remains a major issue, with 84% of employees reporting high levels of stress, primarily due to rising living costs and financial concerns.

The survey, which included over 10,000 participants from 11 global markets, assessed wellbeing across eight factors: emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual. In Kenya, physical wellbeing improved significantly to 64%, up 15 points from last year, while spiritual wellbeing also rose by 5 points.

Financial stress emerged as a critical issue, with 65% of respondents identifying the cost of living and personal finance as their primary sources of stress. Only 17% expressed positive financial wellbeing. Women reported higher stress levels (87%) than men (81%), revealing gender disparities in wellbeing.

Despite these challenges, 57% of Kenyan employees felt that their managers genuinely care about their mental wellbeing, the highest percentage in the MEA region. Family and community support remain crucial in building resilience, with 79% of employees feeling supported by their families.