The world’s rapidly ageing population is fueling unprecedented demand for physiotherapists, making their role more vital than ever. Beyond providing treatment, physiotherapists help older adults maintain independence, enhance their quality of life, and prevent complications through targeted exercise, rehabilitation, and health education.
In recognition of these contributions, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) joined the global community in marking World Physiotherapy Day 2025 under the theme “Healthy Ageing: Role of Physiotherapy in Preventing Frailty and Falls.”
The event, organized by the Kenya Society of Physiotherapists (KSP) on Saturday, September 6, 2025, provided a platform to share knowledge and showcase the pivotal role of physiotherapy in supporting healthy ageing.
Speaking during the official opening, Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi emphasized the importance of addressing the unique challenges associated with ageing, ranging from musculoskeletal decline to neurodegenerative disorders issues that demand multidisciplinary responses grounded in research, innovation, and policy.
“As a university, JKUAT is committed to fostering research that not only generates knowledge but also translates into practical solutions from community-based falls-prevention programs to assistive technologies, to innovations in rehabilitation care models. We encourage our faculty, students, and partners to continue engaging in cutting-edge research that supports healthy ageing,” Prof. Ngumi said in remarks delivered on her behalf by Dr. Reuben Thuo, Principal of the College of Health Sciences (COHES).
The event drew physiotherapy students and practitioners from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Malawi. Activities kicked off with a walk around Juja, aimed at raising awareness on the importance of healthy ageing.
According to Dr. Wallace Karuguti, Chairman of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, physical activity remains central to ageing well as it improves mobility, prevents frailty, reduces the risk of chronic illness, and enhances overall quality of life. Physiotherapy, he noted, directly supports these outcomes through tailored exercise programs, rehabilitation, and preventive care.
Adding a global perspective, Mr. Douglas Kotut, CEO of the Physiotherapy Council of Kenya, stressed that World Physiotherapy Day is an opportunity to celebrate the profession’s critical role in health care, particularly as the number of people aged over 80 is projected to surpass 2.1 billion by 2050. He urged JKUAT to consider introducing specialized training in geriatrics and nursing to better equip health professionals in addressing non-communicable diseases.
His remarks were echoed by Mr. Henry Opondo, President of KSP, who emphasized shifting focus beyond diagnostic care to health promotion at the community level. He called for greater investment in young professionals, lauding their leadership and ability to mobilize diverse stakeholders, which was evident in the success of the day’s event.
From a policy lens, Ms. Irene Gichohi, Chief Occupational Therapist at the Ministry of Health (MoH), highlighted that Kenya is already experiencing the demographic shift, making ageing a public health priority. She noted the government’s commitment to preventing disability and building a more resilient system that reaches underserved populations.
The event was made possible through the support of partners including the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), which donated a standing aid to a child living with Cerebral Palsy, Dr. Bajaj Anjalie, BTL Medical Services, Nextgen Orthopedic and Sports Wellness Centre, Kenyatta National Hospital, and Karen Hospital.
It also brought together students and early-career physiotherapists from various institutions, including Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), Alupe University, AMREF International University, and Muhimbili University (Tanzania), among others.
