Award-Winning Singer Nikita Kering Opens Up About Her Six-Year Battle with PCOS

Nikita Kering, the talented 24-year-old Kenyan musician who has already made a mark in the African music scene, has decided to share something very personal with the world. The award-winning singer recently revealed that she has been living with a condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, for the past six years. Her openness about this invisible struggle is bringing much-needed attention to something that affects millions of women across the globe.

The announcement came at just the right time, as September marks PCOS Awareness Month. Kering, who became the youngest winner of an All Africa Music Award and served as an ambassador for Spotify’s EQUAL Africa programme, used social media to share her journey.

In her posts, she expressed pride in her resilience and in other women living with similar conditions. She also sent out a message of hope to everyone facing the same battles, saying that she hopes they all receive the care, support, and understanding they truly deserve.

Kering’s willingness to talk publicly about her health is part of a bigger movement. More and more public figures are speaking openly about reproductive and metabolic health issues that were previously considered too private to discuss.

By sharing her six-year journey so openly, Kering is helping to bring attention to a condition that affects millions of women worldwide. This kind of visibility matters because it helps reduce the shame and stigma that often surrounds these health conditions.

PCOS is not a simple condition to understand. It is a complex hormonal disorder that impacts multiple systems in the body, far beyond just reproduction. According to the World Health Organisation and various clinical guidelines, PCOS affects between six and thirteen percent of women of reproductive age around the world. That is a significant number of people dealing with this challenge every single day.

Just a few months ago, in May 2026, the medical community made an important decision. Leading international medical organisations officially changed the name of this condition from PCOS to PMOS, which stands for Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome.

This change was made to better reflect how the condition actually works in the body. The new name emphasises that this is not just about the ovaries or reproduction alone. It is a complex metabolic and hormonal condition that touches many different parts of the body at the same time.

The symptoms of this condition can show up in many different ways. Some women experience irregular periods, while others notice changes in their weight. Many deal with persistent acne or find themselves growing excess facial or body hair. Some struggle with fertility issues. Because the symptoms vary so much from person to person, it can be really difficult for doctors to recognise the condition, and it can be even harder for women to get a diagnosis.

One of the most serious aspects of this condition is what happens if it is not properly managed. If left untreated, PMOS can lead to serious long-term health problems. Women living with this condition face increased risk of developing insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and various uterine complications. These are not small concerns. They are serious health issues that can significantly impact quality of life.

Despite how common the condition is, many women face a long and frustrating journey before they finally get a proper diagnosis. Medical data shows there is a significant diagnostic gap. This gap is one of the main reasons why September has been designated as PCOS Awareness Month.

During this month, advocacy groups work hard to educate the public about the condition, encourage early detection, and promote conversations between patients and healthcare providers.

Awareness month also focuses on improving access to proper care. Living with PCOS or PMOS requires support from multiple types of healthcare professionals. Women need to be able to access comprehensive, multidisciplinary care that helps them manage both the hormonal and metabolic effects of the condition. Without this kind of care, managing the condition becomes much more difficult.

Nikita Kering’s decision to share her story is significant, especially as someone in the public eye. By being honest about what she has been going through while maintaining her successful music career, she is showing other women that having this condition does not define them.

It does not stop them from achieving their goals and living fulfilling lives. Her courage in speaking out also helps to break down the barriers of silence and shame that often surround reproductive health issues in Kenya and across Africa.

For many young women, especially in Kenya, seeing someone they admire talk openly about health challenges like this can be transformative. It helps them feel less alone. It makes them more likely to seek medical help if they suspect they might have the condition. It also helps their friends, family members, and partners understand what they are going through.

As we continue through September and beyond, conversations like the one Kering has started become increasingly important. More women need to feel empowered to speak about their health, to seek diagnosis without fear, and to access the care they need. Kering’s openness is a step in the right direction for Kenya and for the wider conversation around women’s health in Africa.