Cholera Outbreak Hits Migori, Nairobi, and Kisumu Counties – IFRC Field Report #3
A suspected cholera outbreak that began in Kuria East Sub-County, Migori County, on February 12, 2025, has spread to multiple counties in Kenya, including Nairobi and Kisumu.
Outbreak Overview
The initial outbreak in Sakuri B Village involved six individuals, three of whom tested positive for cholera using Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs). By February 21, 2025, cases had spread to Kuria West and Suna West sub-counties. Laboratory confirmation at the National Public Health Laboratory confirmed Vibrio cholerae O1 Ogawa in one case from Kuria West.
Migori County: 43 suspected cases, 6 probable cases, 4 confirmed cases, 1 death (CFR: 3.6%).
Nairobi County: First reported case in Gatwekera Village, Kibra Sub-County on March 20, involving a four-year-old girl.
Kisumu County: 15 cases reported in Ahero, Nyando Sub-County.
The outbreak is linked to poor WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene) practices and cross-border movement from Tanzania, which has reported cholera cases in 23 regions since January 2024.
Response Measures
The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), in collaboration with county health authorities, has undertaken the following interventions:
Treatment and Case Management: Two 100-seater tents for Cholera Treatment Centers (CTC), 20 cholera beds, essential medical supplies including antibiotics and rehydration solutions.
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC): 83 tins of chlorine, handwashing stations, soap, sanitizers, gloves, aprons, gumboots, and masks.
WASH Interventions: Distribution of water treatment chemicals, jerricans, chlorine granules, Pur sachets, and buckets to affected families.
Testing Support: 490 Cholera RDT kits dispatched from the National Public Health Lab to Migori County Hospital.
Community Outreach: Hygiene promotion and RCCE (risk communication and community engagement) activities in Migori, Nairobi, and Kisumu counties.
Additional support has been provided by Lwala Community Alliance, Medicines Sans Frontiers, and county health teams for case surveillance, contact tracing, and facility readiness.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The outbreak highlights the critical need for:
Strengthened surveillance and early warning systems.
Expansion of access to clean water and improved sanitation.
Community engagement and cross-border coordination to prevent further transmission.