Mental health challenges are quietly costing Kenya’s economy Sh62.2 billion annually, with workplace burnout alone accounting for over Sh50 billion in lost productivity. The Ministry of Health reports that 3.7 million Kenyans live with stress-related conditions, highlighting an urgent need for accessible, integrated solutions to improve overall wellbeing.
The burden stems from physical strain, financial stress, and poor nutrition, underscoring the importance of a holistic approach to health. While employee wellness programs often focus on physical, mental, and financial wellness, recent data indicate the country is facing a wellness crisis.
In response, integrated financial services provider Old Mutual has launched the Thrive Wellness App, a digital platform designed to address Kenya’s growing challenges in physical, mental, nutritional, and financial wellbeing. The app unifies these tools into one daily companion, converting everyday lifestyle choices into measurable milestones to make wellbeing accessible and rewarding for all users.
Arthur Oginga, Group CEO of Old Mutual, said, “Thrive is more than a wellness tool; it’s a step towards reshaping how we think about everyday health and resilience. Our vision is to empower individuals to take small steps that build into lasting change, helping not only themselves, but their families, workplaces, and communities to thrive.”
Thrive offers several features to support holistic wellness. Nutritional wellbeing is promoted through food diaries, meal planning, and a recipe library aimed at reducing long-term health risks such as diabetes and hypertension. Financial wellness is supported with budgeting, saving, and planning tools, helping users better understand their money mindset.
Mental wellbeing is monitored with a Mind Score, accompanied by guided breathing exercises, journaling, and gratitude tools to manage stress. The app also provides personalised recommendations through structured programs and behavioural nudges designed by experts. These tools collectively address chronic health risks, financial stress, and mental wellness simultaneously.
Old Mutual’s Thrive Wellness App represents a significant step in tackling Kenya’s wellness crisis, giving individuals the resources to improve their health, manage stress, and enhance productivity, while creating long-term benefits for families and workplaces alike.
