Results From Kenya’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth
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Date
2016
Authors
Onywera, V.O.
Muthuri, S.K.
Hayker, S.
Wachira, Lucy-Joy M.
Kyallo, F.
Mang’eni, R.O.
Bukhala, P.
Mireri, C.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Human Kinetics
Abstract
Background: Kenya’s 2016 report card aimed to highlight the health and well-being of Kenyan children and youth using the
best available evidence on the physical activity of Kenyan children and youth. The report pointed at areas where Kenya was succeeding
and areas where more action is required. Methods: Inclusive analyses of available data sources on the core indicators
related to physical activity and body weights of Kenyan children and youth (5 to 17 years) were conducted. These were assigned
grades based on a set of specific criteria. Results: Results show that Active Play, Active Transportation, Overweight and Obesity,
and Sedentary Behavior were favorable with a grade of B. Overall Physical Activity, Organized Sport Participation, and School
(infrastructure, policies, and programs) each received a grade of C, while Family and Peers, Government and Nongovernment
organizations, as well as the Community and the Built Environment were assigned grade D. Conclusions: Over 72% of Kenyan
children and youth use active transportation to and from school and in their daily lives. Although majority of the children and
youth have normal body weight, there is need to ensure that they meet and maintain the physical activity levels recommended
by the World Health Organization. More needs to be done especially in relation to the governmental and nongovernmental
organizations, organized sports participation, as well as involvement of family and peers in promoting healthy active lifestyles
among Kenyan children and youth. More representative data for all indicators are required in Kenya
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Research Article
Citation
Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 2016, 13 (Suppl 2), S195 -S200