Shadrack Nyakoe
Nakuru County, its neighboring counties, and border regions have been flagged as high-risk areas for Mpox, with Nakuru emerging as a hotspot. Of the 36 cases reported nationwide, Nakuru accounts for 10, including five new infections recorded in the past week.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting, Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni reiterated the government’s commitment to containing the outbreak. “We are closely monitoring emerging cases and implementing measures to reduce risks. Public awareness campaigns and education programs have been initiated to promote preventive measures,” she stated.
In addition to Nakuru, other counties reporting Mpox cases include Mombasa (3 cases), Nairobi, Kajiado, Bungoma, Kilifi, Makueni, Kiambu, and Uasin Gishu. Over the past week, Kericho, Taita Taveta, Busia, and Kilifi each reported new cases, highlighting the disease’s spread.
With schools now in session, the Ministry of Health is partnering with the Ministry of Education to introduce hygiene programs aimed at curbing preventable diseases like Mpox and malaria.
“We’re prioritizing hygiene education in schools to create safe learning environments,” said Muthoni.
The Ministry is also addressing open defecation, which remains a challenge in 15 counties, as part of its efforts to improve sanitation and public health.
“Ending open defecation is essential to preventing the spread of diseases caused by poor sanitation,” Muthoni added.
To strengthen its response to the outbreak, the government plans to roll out vaccination programs in high-risk areas and enhance contact tracing to identify and isolate cases early.
“Our goal is to minimize transmission by promptly identifying and managing potential cases,” Muthoni said.
As Mpox cases continue to rise, the Ministry of Health is intensifying its proactive measures to curb the spread and safeguard communities across Kenya.
