Several counties across Kenya are racing to contain a rising cholera outbreak that has left public health officials stretched and communities on high alert. Local health departments in affected regions, including Nairobi, Mombasa, and parts of Western Kenya, have reported increasing cases in the past week as emergency response teams move to isolate patients, distribute treatment supplies, and intensify surveillance. The Ministry of Health has urged residents to observe strict hygiene practices and seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as dehydration, vomiting, or acute diarrhea.
The resurgence of cholera has been linked to ongoing water shortages, broken sanitation systems, and contamination of open water sources following recent heavy rains. Some counties have activated rapid response units to track infections, while others have set up temporary treatment centres to decongest health facilities. Public health experts note that while Kenya has faced cholera outbreaks before, this latest wave is spreading quickly due to mobility between counties and inadequate water treatment infrastructure in informal settlements. County health executives have also reported shortages of essential supplies such as oral rehydration salts and IV fluids, calling on the national government for additional support.
Reactions have been swift, with community leaders, local NGOs, and health volunteers launching sensitization campaigns aimed at curbing further spread. Many residents have expressed concerns over delays in water trucking and the lack of long-term solutions to sanitation challenges. The Ministry of Health maintains that coordinated efforts are underway, including partnerships with humanitarian agencies to reinforce county responses and deploy more health workers. As counties work to contain the outbreak, experts warn that sustained investment in clean water access and modernized sanitation systems will be crucial in preventing future flare-ups and safeguarding public health nationwide.