Kajiado on High Alert as Cholera Outbreak in Narok Claims Four Lives
Kajiado County has heightened its emergency preparedness after a cholera outbreak in neighbouring Narok County left four people dead and several others hospitalised. The County Department of Health has activated public emergency protocols amid fears that the disease could spill over into local communities due to cross-county interactions, trade, and shared water sources. The alert comes after Narok reported multiple cases of acute watery diarrhoea, prompting regional concern.
In a notice issued on October 6, Kajiado Director of Public Health Samson Saigulu directed all health facilities to intensify surveillance and report suspected cases immediately through national reporting systems. Hospitals have been instructed to restock essential supplies including oral rehydration salts (ORS), intravenous fluids, diagnostic kits, and treatment drugs. Health centres are also required to prepare isolation areas where suspected cholera cases can be managed safely and efficiently. The county will further focus on water safety by chlorinating public water points and conducting regular quality checks, especially in high-risk zones.
The outbreak in Narok’s Trans Mara West Sub-County was first detected on September 29, leading to 20 patients being treated and discharged, while others remain admitted. According to Narok County Director of Health Dr. Francis Kiio, the victims included three adults and a child from Kilgoris Central, Lolgorian and Shankoe. In response, Narok County has banned food hawking across major markets and activated community sensitisation programmes through Community Health Promoters. The teams are moving door-to-door educating residents about hygiene, safe food handling and use of treated water.
With both counties sharing borders and trading routes, Kajiado officials have emphasised the need for quick action, vigilance, and strong coordination with national and regional partners. Sub-county emergency teams have been tasked with issuing daily situation updates to the county’s Emergency Operations Centre. Health officials are urging residents to report symptoms early, maintain strict hygiene practices, and avoid consuming untreated water. As the two counties work to contain the disease, authorities warn that continued cross-county cooperation will be crucial in preventing widespread transmission and safeguarding public health.