Kenya Ramps Up Mpox Fight as Outbreak Grips 40 Counties, Seven Face High Alert

Kenya's Ministry of Health has put seven key counties on high alert as the Mpox outbreak continues its relentless spread, now affecting 40 out of 47 counties with 1,298 confirmed cases and 19 deaths as of September 6, 2026. Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, highlighted Mombasa, Nairobi, Busia, Makueni, Kiambu, Kilifi, and Nakuru as areas requiring urgent vigilance, primarily due to their strategic locations along major transport routes and border crossings. Mombasa currently bears the heaviest burden with 452 cases, followed by Nairobi with 320 and Busia with 115, underscoring the severe challenge facing the nation's health authorities. This widespread transmission isn't just a localized problem; previous research has already linked Kenya's early Mpox cases to long-haul truck drivers and their contacts along critical transport corridors, especially the Mombasa-Malaba route towards the Ugandan border. The virus, which can spread through close contact and contaminated materials, continues to circulate 'silently' within communities, making early detection and public awareness paramount. The Ministry is now emphasizing intensified surveillance, stringent hygiene practices, and continued public sensitization to curb further community transmission, building on earlier vaccination campaigns that targeted vulnerable populations in high-risk zones. Looking ahead, the Ministry of Health is not only battling Mpox but also gearing up for other potential health crises, including the anticipated El Niño rains, which could elevate the risk of waterborne diseases in 18 high-risk counties. PS Muthoni has stressed the need for ongoing vigilance and strengthened screening at all entry points to prevent imported infections. The effectiveness of these combined strategies—from targeted vaccination to rigorous border controls and public health campaigns—will be crucial in turning the tide against Mpox and safeguarding Kenya's public health system.