The Ministry of Health has issued a public health advisory cautioning Kenyans about the increased risk of infectious disease transmission during the festive season as social gatherings and travel intensify.

In a statement posted on her official X account on Sunday, December 21, 2025, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni highlighted how festive celebrations create conditions favourable for disease spread.

“During festive celebrations, increased travel, social gatherings, and crowding can raise the risk of infectious disease transmission,” Muthoni stated.

Disease transmission risks

The PS outlined several factors that contribute to disease spread during the festive period, including close contact in crowded spaces such as parties, religious events, and markets.

According to the advisory, poor ventilation in indoor venues, sharing of food and utensils, and increased travel exposing people to new environments all elevate infection risks.

Muthoni also noted that reduced attention to hygiene and early symptoms during celebrations further compounds the problem.

“How diseases spread during festivities: poor ventilation in indoor venues, sharing food, utensils, or personal items, increased travel and exposure to new environments, reduced attention to hygiene and early symptoms,” she wrote.

Prevention measures

The Ministry of Health has recommended several preventive actions to help Kenyans celebrate safely during the festive season.

On personal hygiene, the PS emphasised regular handwashing or use of sanitiser, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding touching the face.

“Stay home if unwell. Do not attend events if you have a fever, cough, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Seek care early if symptoms worsen,” Muthoni advised.

For safer gatherings, the health advisory recommends preferring outdoor or well-ventilated venues, avoiding overcrowding, and limiting the duration of events.

Food safety and vulnerable groups

The PS stressed the importance of proper food handling, urging Kenyans to cook and store food properly, avoid sharing utensils, cups, or bottles, and wash their hands before handling food.

Special attention should be given to protecting vulnerable populations, including older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses.

“Use extra precautions around older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses. Consider masks in crowded or high-risk settings,” Muthoni said.

Community responsibility

For those travelling during the festive season, the Ministry of Health advised following destination health advisories, maintaining hand hygiene during travel, and avoiding travel when sick.

The PS concluded by emphasising that responsible celebration is a community responsibility that protects not just individuals and families but the wider population.

“Responsible celebration protects individuals, families, and the wider community through simple preventive actions,” the statement concluded.

The advisory also encouraged Kenyans to keep their recommended vaccines up to date and follow local health guidance.