Kenya is spearheading Africa’s battle against cholera, a preventable yet persistent public health threat claiming lives across the continent.

Classified as a high-priority country under the Cholera Continental Preparedness and Response Plan for Africa 1.0, Kenya is leveraging its strategic position to drive regional collaboration and implement robust interventions.

“Countries such as Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, and Kenya have experienced recurrent and large-scale outbreaks, often exacerbated by conflict, population movement, and limited access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).”

In 2025, the country reported 426 cholera cases and 20 deaths, with outbreaks in counties like Kwale, Migori, Kisumu, and Nairobi highlighting the urgency of the crisis. Weak water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure in border regions and informal settlements fuels transmission, making Kenya’s leadership critical.

The African Union’s Call to Action, endorsed in June 2025 by Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia and AU Cholera Champion, has galvanised Kenya’s resolve to eliminate cholera by 2030.

“The elimination of cholera is not only a health goal—it is a moral imperative,” Hichilema declared.

Kenya is an active member of the Continental Incident Management Support Team (IMST), co-led by Africa CDC and WHO. The IMST’s “One Team, One Plan, One Budget, and One Monitoring” framework ensures seamless coordination with partners, including UNICEF, GAVI, and MSF.

Kenya’s allocation of Ksh476.4 million from the Ksh35.5 billion continental budget funds vaccination campaigns, WASH improvements, and surveillance in high-risk areas, aiming to reduce Africa’s cholera cases from 203,572 to 46,764.

Localised outbreaks

In Kwale County, a June 2025 outbreak claimed three lives, including a four-year-old, with 48 suspected cases reported. County Epidemic Response Officer Mohammed Said noted, “It is sad to announce that cholera has claimed lives… largely due to an influx of Tanzanian nationals crossing the border through Lunga-Lunga.”

“Affected areas such as Vanga and Jasini are receiving medical supplies from Plan International, including Aquatabs and disinfectants, to scale up response efforts. “The outbreak is now under control, although we haven’t fully contained it yet,” Said, crediting coordinated efforts.

Measures and community engagement

Nationally, the Ministry of Health reported 97 cases and six deaths by April 6, 2025, across Migori, Kisumu, and Nairobi. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale emphasised, “The Ministry remains committed to ensuring that we safeguard the health of our communities.”

Interventions include oral cholera vaccine (OCV) deployment, enhanced surveillance, and community engagement through health promoters. By integrating lessons from the mpox response and promoting African vaccine manufacturing, Kenya is building a resilient, cholera-free future, setting an example for the continent.