Представитель Нейроби призывает кенийцев отказаться от сахара ради финансирования системы здравоохранения

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has urged Kenyans to cut back on sugar and redirect the money saved into government healthcare priorities, particularly the Social Health Authority (SHA). Speaking during an interview on Radio Generation, she told citizens to take personal responsibility for the development programs the government rolls out. Passaris also described reducing sugar consumption as a practical way to meet health obligations while addressing serious medical risks that can become life-threatening. She argued that small daily changes can translate into meaningful support for public health funding. “As citizens, we’ve got to own our government projects. Yeah, we’ve got to, you know, I keep telling everyone give up sugar. You know, give up sugar. I have my black coffee here, no sugar. Give up sugar so that that 400–500 shillings that you’re spending on sugar can pay your SHA,” she said. Passaris also argued that small lifestyle changes at home can help households ease the financial burden created by statutory healthcare deductions. She pointed to her own cup of unsweetened black coffee, saying that the money people spend on sugar could instead go toward healthcare coverage through the Social Health Authority (SHA). She further urged citizens to actively support public initiatives, calling on Kenyans to take ownership of both their long-term health outcomes and their civic obligations. In addition to the potential financial gains, she warned that heavy consumption of refined sugar can trigger serious long-term health problems. Speaking on the health risks of sugar, she said that high sugar intake connects directly to chronic conditions such as diabetes, dementia, and cancer, adding that cancer cells feed on sugar. “Sugar is going to land you with diabetes. It’s also bad for cancer. It’s also very bad. Cancer feeds on sugar. Dementia… sugar… sugar has nothing good to offer…” she argued.