The latest national HIV data has raised new concern after showing that several parts of the country are experiencing a rise in infections despite ongoing awareness campaigns.
Nairobi County stands out with the biggest increase in new HIV cases, signalling that the capital’s heavy population and lifestyle pressures continue to drive higher transmission rates. According to new information shared by the National Syndemic Disease Control Council, new infections across Nairobi grew by 19 per cent compared to the previous year.
The numbers moved from 16,752 to 19,991, marking one of the sharpest jumps recorded recently. This rise has pushed Nairobi to the top of the list, with 3,045 new infections reported in 2024 alone.
The data also shows that ten counties carried the largest burden of new infections.
These include Nairobi, Migori, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Busia, Siaya, Kakamega, Nakuru, Mombasa and Bungoma. Together, these counties contributed 60 per cent of all new cases recorded in the country.
Migori followed Nairobi with 1,572 new cases, while Kisumu recorded 1,341. The Council explained that this pattern reflects long-standing regional gaps in access to health information, stigma challenges, and differences in how counties handle HIV prevention.
They urged counties to come up with local solutions that match their real needs instead of relying on uniform national approaches.
In their 2024 HIV Estimates report, they added that the overall national HIV prevalence stood at 3 per cent, with women still carrying a higher burden at 4 per cent compared to 2 per cent among men.
Another worrying issue is the rise in HIV-related deaths. The report shows that 21,007 people died from HIV-related causes in 2024, an increase from 18,473 reported in 2023. Health PS Ouma Oluga noted that the number of deaths should push the country to strengthen early testing, support people to stay on treatment, and ensure those who begin medication do not drop out along the way. He said the deaths represent avoidable loss and should serve as a reminder that HIV remains a major public health challenge.
Even with the worrying numbers in some counties, the report also highlights progress in other areas. NSDCC data shows that in 2025, Kenya recorded a 52 per cent drop in new HIV infections overall, suggesting that different interventions are beginning to show results. As of 2024, 1,326,336 people in Kenya were living with HIV, including 62,798 children. The burden remained highest among young people aged 15 to 34, who continue to represent a large share of new infections.
Some counties recorded major improvements, with regions such as Elgeyo-Marakwet, Wajir, Mandera, Kisii, Machakos, Kericho, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Bomet, Baringo, Trans-Nzoia and Laikipia reporting a 75 per cent drop in new cases. These changes show that when prevention and treatment efforts are well coordinated, counties can make real progress.
