People working outdoors in Kenya are experiencing stronger sun and higher temperatures linked to climate change. The report includes accounts from Sylvia Muteshi, who has worked on tea plantations in Kakamega for eight years, and Nairobi boda boda rider Joseph Andove, who uses an umbrella for shade. Climate data from the Kenya Meteorological Department show a clear warming trend; Patricia Nyinguro says some regions, notably the coast and parts of western Kenya, have warmed by up to 2.1 degrees Celsius since records began. March, before the rainy season, has shown some of the largest rises and reduced cloud cover allows more ultraviolet radiation to reach the ground.
Dermatologists say darker skin gives partial protection but cannot prevent all sun damage. Wangai Mwatha explains the sun is stronger now because of higher UV intensity, more reflective surfaces and less cloud cover; Kenya’s equatorial location and high altitude also increase exposure. Doctors report a rise in conditions including:
- photocontact dermatitis and melasma, causing inflammation and dark facial patches;
- pigmentation disorders, photoaging and sun allergies;
- fungal and bacterial skin infections that thrive in hot, humid conditions;
- non-melanoma skin cancers and cancers appearing in unexpected places on dark skin.
Bianca Tod notes melanin can provide protection up to an SPF of 13 but does not prevent all damage. Skin cancer is less common in darker skin yet is often diagnosed late because of low awareness and limited access to care. A small tube of sunscreen costs more than a day’s wages for many casual workers.
Experts recommend affordable actions: wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, shade and simple moisturisers such as petroleum jelly, shea butter or coconut oil. Pamela Mwange highlights gaps in UV data and health records. The Ministry of Health’s Kenya Climate Change and Health Strategy (2023-2027) aims to build a climate-resilient health system, improve data collection and set up UV monitoring. Local initiatives include tree planting, shaded school assembly areas and county awareness campaigns advising people to avoid direct sun.
Difficult words
- ultraviolet radiation — invisible high-energy light from the sun
- photocontact dermatitis — skin inflammation caused by sunlight and contact
- melasma — dark facial patches often caused by sun
- photoaging — premature skin aging caused by sun exposure
- melanin — natural pigment that gives colour to skin
- non-melanoma skin cancer — a group of skin cancers excluding melanoma typenon-melanoma skin cancers
- resilient — able to withstand and recover from problemsclimate-resilient
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Discussion questions
- What are the main barriers that prevent casual outdoor workers in Kenya from using sunscreen and seeking medical care?
- What changes could employers or communities make to reduce sun exposure for outdoor workers?
- How would better UV monitoring and health data help public health planning in Kenya?
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