Diabetes Foot Foundation Kenya

Stepping Towards a Healthier Future: One Foot at a Time.

The Diabetes Foot Foundation of Kenya is dedicated to fighting the devastating impact of diabetic foot complications through creating awareness, care, and advocacy.

Powerful image of a person's feet receiving care

Our Story & Mission

From a Vision to a Movement

Founded in 2019, the Diabetes Foot Foundation of Kenya was born out of the recognition that diabetic foot disease was a neglected and devastating complication in our country.

A team of dedicated healthcare professionals came together with a shared vision: to make limb-saving care accessible to all Kenyans with diabetes. We transformed a simple idea into a national movement for change and prevention.

Our Vision

A future where no person in Kenya loses a limb to a preventable diabetic foot complication.

Our Mission

To reduce the burden of diabetic foot disease in Kenya through targeted education, healthcare professional training, impactful advocacy, and robust care among people living with diabetes and communities.

Our Three Key Pillars

Education & Awareness

We empower communities and patients with the knowledge to prevent foot ulcers and complications. Right knowledge and practice is key to saving a limb.

Training & Capacity Building

We train healthcare professionals across Kenya on specialized diabetic foot care techniques and basic wound management skills to ensure a competent workforce is available.

Advocacy & Research

The foundation advocates for better policies and conducts research to improve access to quality care and integrate diabetic foot services into national health programs.

Understanding Diabetic Foot Complications

Diabetic foot complications are a group of serious foot problems that can happen to people with diabetes. They're caused by two main issues that diabetes can create over time: nerve damage and poor blood circulation. These complications can lead to foot ulcers, infections, and in severe cases, the need for amputation.

1. Peripheral Neuropathy (Nerve Damage)

Imagine your foot has become numb, like when your hand falls asleep.

Neuropathy damages the nerves in your feet, causing loss of sensation. You wouldn't be able to feel if you stepped on a sharp object or if your shoe was rubbing. This means a small injury can go unnoticed for days, allowing it to become a serious wound.

2. Peripheral Arterial Disease (Poor Circulation)

Think of a garden hose with a kink in it. Only a small trickle of water gets through.

This condition narrows the arteries, reducing the flow of blood, which carries vital oxygen and healing cells. When an injury occurs, your body can't send enough healing resources, meaning even a tiny cut has a very hard time healing and is more likely to become infected.

The Best Defense is Daily Prevention

Inspect Daily: The most crucial habit to counteract neuropathy.
Keep Active: Gentle exercises improve circulation.
Control Sugar: The foundation of all diabetes management.

The 10 Golden Rules for Healthy Feet

Prevention is better than cure. Every person living with diabetes and their caregivers should ensure these 10 measures are done as a routine to save a limb.

1. Inspect Daily

Check for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or calluses.

2. Wash & Dry

Use lukewarm water and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes.

3. Moisturize

Apply lotion to keep skin soft, but avoid between the toes.

4. Trim Nails

Cut straight across to prevent ingrown nails. See a professional if needed.

5. Proper Footwear

Always wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Never go barefoot, even indoors.

6. Check Shoes

Always inspect inside your shoes for any foreign objects before wearing them.

7. Keep Active

Gentle exercises are important to improve blood circulation.

8. Control Sugar

Keeping blood sugar within target is critical for prevention.

9. Don't Self-Treat

Never use sharp tools on your feet or try to cut your own calluses.

10. Regular Check-ups

See your doctor or podiatrist regularly for professional foot exams.

Immediate Action Required

Report any of the following abnormal changes to your doctor or clinic immediately.

Any new wound or sore that won't heal.
Sudden redness or swelling around an injury.
Fever or chills (sign of infection).
Change in skin color (blue, black, pale).

Our Dedicated Leadership

Get Involved: Your Action Saves Limbs

Your Support Saves Limbs

Every donation directly fuels our limb-saving efforts. For example: Ksh 500 can provide a pair of therapeutic shoes for a patient, and Ksh 2,000 can fund a day of a community screening camp.

Lend Your Time and Talent

We are always seeking passionate volunteers! We need medical professionals, event coordinators, administrative support, and educators. Dedicate your skills to a vital cause in your community.

Join Our Mission

Partner with us! Align your brand's commitment to community health by sponsoring our mission to reduce amputations and save lives across Kenya.

Latest News & Resources

The Silent Epidemic: Burden of Diabetic Foot in Kenya

We analyze the human and social costs of diabetic foot complications, urging for increased awareness and early detection strategies across the nation.

Read Article (A) →

Beyond the Pain: Unpacking the Economic Cost of DFC

This post dissects the immense financial strain—direct and indirect—that diabetic foot complications place on families and the national healthcare system.

Read Article (B) →

Diabetic Foot Care Brochure

Download PDF →

Our Valued Partners

Contact Us

If you have questions, want to volunteer, or need support, we are here to help.