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Many Kenyans shrug off persistent tiredness as “work fatigue,” pushing through long days without pause. For some, it’s seen as a badge of honour, proof of commitment and hard work. But medical experts warn that what feels like ordinary exhaustion may actually signal a serious underlying health issue.
“Normal work fatigue is expected after a busy day and usually resolves with rest, sleep, or a day off,” says Dr Ann Wairimu Wachira, MBChB, MPH, a medical doctor and public health specialist at AAR Healthcare.
“Fatigue related to illness, however, tends to be persistent, is disproportionate to work done, and does not improve even after adequate rest. It may also worsen over time or be accompanied by other symptoms.”
Some commonly overlooked conditions, Dr Wachira notes, include anemia, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disorders, depression, anxiety, chronic infections, and nutritional deficiencies such as vitamin D or B12 deficiency. “Workers often ignore these warning signs because they assume tiredness is just part of life or work,” she says.
Dr Ann Wairimu Wachira, a medical doctor and public health specialist at AAR Healthcare, advises Kenyan workers on recognising when persistent fatigue may signal an underlying health issue.
Certain age groups and professions are especially vulnerable. Young adults in their 20s and 30s often normalise exhaustion as part of career building or “hustling.”
Middle-aged workers may blame fatigue on aging, family responsibilities, or work pressure, while older employees sometimes dismiss it as a normal part of getting older. Professions with long hours, night shifts, or high emotional strain, like healthcare, teaching, driving, security, and manual labour, are particularly at risk.
“Even office-based professionals sometimes downplay persistent fatigue, assuming it’s simply mental exhaustion or screen fatigue,” Dr Wachira adds.
Workplace culture compounds the problem. “Long hours, job insecurity, limited sick leave, and strong pressure to remain productive often push employees to work even when unwell,” she explains.
“In many workplaces, exhaustion is normalised and even praised as commitment, while rest and medical care are seen as inconveniences. This leads to delayed care and more serious health consequences.”
Dr Wachira shares real-life examples: one patient, a woman in her late 30s, experienced persistent fatigue and random headaches for roughly two months.
Despite sleep and rest, she remained exhausted and was unable to work consistently. Lab tests revealed severe iron deficiency, triggered by an underlying gynecological issue she had assumed was normal. “We put her on treatment and monitored her monthly,” Dr Wachira says. “Another patient with severe iron deficiency unknowingly had a heart condition, highlighting how fatigue can mask serious health issues.”
Knowing the difference
Distinguishing physical from mental fatigue is crucial. “Fatigue from a medical condition usually comes with other symptoms, like headaches, frequent illness, or abdominal discomfort. Mental health-related fatigue often shows through mood changes, loss of interest in usual activities, disrupted sleep patterns, weight changes, and poor concentration,” she explains.
Practical steps can help employees monitor their health before fatigue becomes serious. Dr Wachira advises tracking sleep, diet, physical activity, and mood.
If fatigue persists for more than two weeks despite rest and lifestyle adjustments, a medical assessment is recommended. Routine checkups, including blood pressure, vitals, and annual health assessments, can also catch early warning signs.
“Managers should be trained to notice changes in staff behavior, timekeeping, productivity, and interactions,” Dr Wachira says. “Open conversations about well-being, medical checkups, and use of sick leave help prevent burnout. Encouraging staff to take annual leave or short breaks is also critical.”
Some workplaces in Kenya have begun embracing wellness initiatives, including staff health talks, mental wellness forums, office fitness programs, and medical insurance facilitation. “These programs help employees understand lifestyle disease risks and manage chronic conditions effectively,” Dr Wachira notes.
Cultural attitudes can also influence health outcomes. Many Kenyans equate fatigue with dedication and hard work. “There’s a thin line between normal fatigue from work and chronic fatigue from illness,” Dr Wachira says. “It’s important to understand when fatigue is normal and when it’s a warning sign requiring medical attention. Normal fatigue should resolve with rest, but persistent fatigue, whether physical or mental, needs evaluation.”
Recognising the difference and seeking timely care not only protects health but also preserves productivity and quality of life. As Dr Wachira emphasises, “Pushing through exhaustion is not always a sign of commitment; it can be a warning that your body needs attention. Early recognition is key to preventing serious illness.”
