As the world marked World Tuberculosis Day 2026, Kenya continues to grapple with a significant burden of tuberculosis (TB), ranking among the high TB burden countries globally.

According to the Ministry of Health Kenya, the country records over 120,000 new TB cases annually, with thousands of deaths reported each year, largely due to late diagnosis and treatment interruptions.

Despite sustained government efforts, health experts warn that many cases remain undetected, silently fuelling transmission within communities.

It is against this backdrop that Kirinyaga County is now raising concern over a worrying trend, not just the rising number of TB infections, but the emergence of less-discussed forms of the disease, including genital TB.

Leading hotspot

Health officials in the county have flagged Mwea Constituency as the leading hotspot, recording the highest number of cases.

Data released during this year’s World TB Day commemoration indicates that at least 1,500 TB cases have been reported in the county in 2025, including 24 drug-resistant infections and a 4 per cent mortality rate.

Speaking on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, during the event, County Infectious Disease Coordinator Franklin Mwenda described TB as a “silent but highly infectious disease” that continues to pose a major public health threat.

“TB mainly affects the lungs, but it can spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body. It can affect almost every organ except hair, nails and teeth, including the reproductive system, such as the testes, scrotum, penis and vagina,” he said.

Mwenda expressed growing concern over genital TB, a form of extrapulmonary TB that affects reproductive organs in both men and women but often goes undiagnosed due to low awareness and stigma.

“Genital TB is one of the least talked about forms of the disease, yet it carries serious consequences. In women, it can spread to the uterus and lead to fertility complications if not treated early,” he warned.

He was quick to clarify that TB is not a sexually transmitted infection, emphasising that it is caused by bacteria and spread through the air, not through sexual contact.

“All forms of TB, including genital TB, are treatable using the same medication, although drug-resistant and extra-pulmonary cases may require longer and closely monitored treatment,” he added.

The coordinator noted that men remain the most affected group, largely due to delayed health-seeking behaviour and higher exposure risks.

“Many men avoid going to hospital early, and their social lifestyles increase exposure. That is why we are now taking screening services to markets and other social spaces,” he said.

Kirinyaga County boosts TB response

Kirinyaga has made strides in improving diagnosis, with modern GeneXpert machines installed at key facilities such as Kerugoya Level 5 Hospital, Kimbimbi Hospital and Sagana Hospital, enabling faster detection of TB and drug-resistant strains.

Health officials attribute the continued spread of TB to factors such as weak immunity, poor nutrition, chronic illnesses, and living in congested areas with poor ventilation. Children under five and elderly persons above 65 have been identified as high-risk groups.

Residents have been urged to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, fever, night sweats, weight loss, or unexplained reproductive health complications.

Kirinyaga County currently operates 107 TB service points offering free testing and treatment, alongside a 24-bed isolation unit at Kerugoya County Referral Hospital for severe cases.

County Health Executive George Karoki warned that undiagnosed cases remain a major challenge.

“We are still missing many cases. Late reporting allows the disease to spread further and makes treatment more difficult and costly,” he said.

A TB survivor, Charity Wanjiru Ngatia, shared a message of hope, recounting how early diagnosis and adherence to medication saved her life.

“I completed my treatment even during pregnancy, and today both my child and I are healthy. Early diagnosis is key,” she said.

Health authorities maintain that TB is both preventable and curable, calling on residents to utilise free services and complete treatment fully.

As Kirinyaga intensifies community outreach and awareness campaigns, the message remains clear that early testing, reduced stigma, and prompt treatment are critical in winning the fight against TB, both in its common and emerging forms.