Kenya is taking major strides in the fight against malaria, aiming to eliminate the disease within the next decade through strengthened interventions, innovation, and collaboration across sectors. According to Dr. Josephine Mburu, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, the country has managed to reduce malaria prevalence by more than 50% over the past ten years, marking one of the most significant public health achievements in the region.
Speaking through Dr. Andrew Mulwa, Head of Preventive and Promotive Health Services, the PS announced the launch of the Kenya Malaria Elimination Implementation Plan (2021–2023), which outlines strategies to drive the country closer to zero malaria. The plan complements global goals to end malaria by 2030 and builds on Kenya’s recent rollout of the WHO-approved malaria vaccine, developed in partnership with Ghana and Malawi. Additionally, the Ministry of Health plans to distribute 18.3 million insecticide-treated nets across 28 high-risk counties in 2024 to ensure equitable protection for vulnerable households.
Despite these gains, the Ministry acknowledged challenges in sustaining momentum. The uptake of malaria prevention measures at the community level remains below target, and financing gaps persist — with the country currently facing a 50% shortfall in resources required to fully implement its strategic plan. The government is urging renewed investment, especially as global funding stagnates amid rising needs. Encouragingly, the private sector has stepped in to bridge part of this gap: the End Malaria Council Kenya, together with SC Johnson, has mobilized an additional USD 1 million and pledged to establish more malaria clinics nationwide.
World Health Organization Representative Dr. Diallo Abdourahmane commended Kenya’s achievements, including mass net distributions, indoor spraying, and the deployment of the RTS,S vaccine, but cautioned that emerging threats—such as invasive mosquito species and dwindling donor funds—could undermine progress. He emphasized the need for innovation, sustained financing, and youth engagement to accelerate malaria elimination efforts.
As Kenya strengthens its surveillance, community education, and public-private partnerships, the campaign against malaria is evolving beyond medical interventions. It now encompasses behavioral change, environmental management, and social mobilization—crucial pillars in achieving the ultimate goal of zero malaria by 2030.