Kenya loses billions of shillings each year to the hidden costs of stress and burnout.
Reports from the Ministry of Health estimate that workplace burnout gobbles in excess of Sh50 billion annually in lost productivity, while mental health conditions cost the nation a further Sh62.2 billion – nearly 0.6 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
With close to 3.7 million Kenyans living with stress – related conditions, the need for an accessible, integrated solution now, is more than urgent.
To plug this challenge, the managers at the integrated financial services provider, Old Mutual feels that there is need for a wellness platform to address the growing challenges of physical, mental, nutritional, and financial well-being in Kenya.
On Monday the company unveiled Thrive, a new digital platform it believes will offer some of the required solutions. The company’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Arthur Oginga laude the innovation.
“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,” he noted.
The launch of Thrive marks Old Mutual’s next step in digital innovation, providing powerful catalysts for holistic wellness and long-term well-being.
A 2023 survey by Corporate Staffing Services found out that 68 percent of professionals in Kenya experienced burnout symptoms, particularly among middle and senior management. The findings point to the combined impact of physical strain, financial stress, and poor nutritional habits, highlighting the urgent need to prioritise holistic well- being.
“Thrive positions itself as a daily companion for healthier living by unifying previously fragmented wellness services. The app converts everyday lifestyle choices into measurable milestones, aiming to make wellbeing accessible and rewarding for all Kenyan users,” The Group CEO added.
Unlike generic fitness trackers or budgeting apps, Thrive’s value lies in its holistic approach. Users can access a Financial Wellbeing Score to understand their money mindset through budgeting, saving, and planning. They can monitor their mental well-being with a Mind Score while using guided breathing, journaling, or gratitude tools to manage stress.
On the nutrition front, the app provides food diaries, meal planning journeys, and a recipe library to help prevent long-term health risks such as diabetes and hypertension.
Additional features include personalised recommendations through structured programs and behavioral prompts.
“The holistic approach addresses chronic health risks, financial stress, and mental well-being simultaneously – a strategy aimed at tackling the interconnected factors driving Kenya’s wellness crisis,” said Oginga.
Old Mutual has developed the app as part of its digital transformation and is banking on the APP to make wellbeing accessible through a single platform. The initiative responds directly to Kenya’s growing health and lifestyle pressures. The impact is targeted at individual and organisational levels.
Thrive is now available for download on Android and iOS devices.
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