Kinuthia,Stanley KagundaStratton,GarethWachira,Lucy JoyOkoth,VictorOwino,George EvansOchola,SophieRichards,Amie BethanKiplamai,FestusOnywera,VincentSwindell,Nils2025-04-172025-04-172025-04Kinuthia, S.K.; Stratton, G.; Wachira, L.J.; Okoth, V.; Owino, G.E.; Ochola, S.; Richards, A.B.; Kiplamai, F.; Onywera, V.; Swindell, N. Differences Between Health- and Skill-Related Physical Fitness Profiles of Kenyan Children from Urban and Rural Areas: The Kenya-LINX Project. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22, 542. https://doi.org/10.3390/ ijerph22040542https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22040542https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/29969ArticleAbstract: Physical fitness is a key indicator of children’s health, yet amidst rising inac tivity and obesity, data on Kenyan children are scarce. This study assessed health- and skill-related fitness differences between rural and urban Kenyan children while examining demographic influences. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), BMI, strength, flexibility, speed, agility, and coordination were assessed in 1131 children aged 11.07 ± 0.9 years (52.7% girls) recruited using stratified cluster random sampling. Significant rural–urban disparities were observed. In urban areas, 16.6% were overweight and 2.8% obese, compared to 4% and 0.6% in rural areas (p < 0.001). Conversely, 44.5% of the rural cohort were underweight versus 13.7% urban cohort (p < 0.001). Multivariable regression revealed that rural children demon strated superior CRF (β = −4.68 laps, p < 0.001) and lower back flexibility (β = −2.77 cm, p < 0.001), while urban children excelled in speed and coordination (β = 3.68 bounces, p < 0.001) and grip strength (β = 2.16 kg, p < 0.001). Boys outperformed girls in explosive leg power (β = −6.75 cm, p < 0.001) and CRF (β = −6.92 laps, p < 0.001). These findings highlight fitness inequities among Kenyan children, emphasising the need for equitable, targeted, and inclusive physical activity opportunities.enArticle