The Ministry of Health has identified seven counties as high-risk areas for Mpox as Kenya continues its response to an outbreak that has now spread to 40 counties.
Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni said the seven counties face greater vulnerability because they sit along major transport corridors and remain close to border points.
Mombasa leads the list, followed by Nairobi. Busia, Makueni, Kiambu, Kilifi, and Nakuru also feature among the areas that require heightened vigilance.
Kenya has recorded 1,298 confirmed mpox cases and 19 deaths so far, with infections reported in 40 of the country’s 47 counties.
Mombasa has reported the highest number of mpox cases, with 452, followed by Nairobi at 320 and Busia with 115. The figures underline the heavy burden in several of the high-risk counties.
Speaking on Monday morning while chairing a departmental management meeting with heads of departments under the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni warned that Mpox still poses a threat even as authorities work to contain the outbreak.
“We urge Kenyans to remain vigilant and observe hygiene and prevention measures. Continued transmission within communities, coupled with movement along major transport corridors, could increase the risk of further infections,” she said.
The ministry called for continued public sensitization, as well as stronger surveillance and screening at Kenya’s border points to help detect and contain new infections.
“We are also maintaining surveillance for other infectious diseases. Although Kenya has no confirmed case of Ebola, we have put measures in place to respond to any suspected case and prevent the virus from entering the country,” Mary Muthoni said.
During the management meeting, officials also reviewed Kenya’s preparedness for the anticipated El Niño rains. The ministry said it will hold a stakeholder meeting on Wednesday to assess the potential health impact.
It added that about 18 counties remain at high risk of El Niño-related effects, raising fears of waterborne diseases and other health challenges linked to flooding and poor sanitation.
The ministry said it will continue strengthening surveillance, vaccination, public awareness, and coordination among health agencies as it both works to contain mpox and prepares for other emerging health risks.
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