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Nairobi County has recorded the highest number of new HIV infections in the country, according to new data released by the National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC). The report shows that in the past year, Kenya experienced a 19 percent rise in new HIV cases, increasing from 16,752 to 19,991. This sharp rise underscores ongoing challenges in controlling the spread of HIV, particularly in regions where infections remain consistently high.
Ten counties—Nairobi, Migori, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Busia, Siaya, Kakamega, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Bungoma—continue to carry the largest burden of new infections. Combined, they accounted for 60 percent of all new HIV cases reported in 2024. Nairobi led with 3,045 new infections, followed by Migori with 1,572 and Kisumu with 1,341. These numbers highlight significant regional disparities and the urgent need for targeted, county-specific interventions. According to NSDCC, these disparities signal that a uniform national approach will not be enough, and counties must be supported to tailor solutions that address the unique factors driving infections in their areas.
The Kenya HIV Estimates report also revealed that the national HIV prevalence in 2024 stood at 3.0 percent. Women continue to be disproportionately affected, with a prevalence rate of 4.0 percent compared to 2.0 percent among men. The higher infection rate among females has been a long-standing trend in Kenya, often linked to social, economic, and biological factors that increase women’s vulnerability. The report serves as a reminder that addressing gender disparities is essential in achieving long-term epidemic control.
Another worrying finding in the report is the increase in HIV-related deaths. In 2024, Kenya recorded 21,007 AIDS-related deaths, up from 18,473 in 2023. Health Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga emphasized that these deaths highlight the need to renew focus on early diagnosis, treatment adherence, and ensuring that people living with HIV remain in continuous care. He noted that effective treatment is available and can help patients live long, healthy lives, but only if they are diagnosed early and consistently take their medication.
The report further showed that as of 2024, an estimated 1,326,336 people in Kenya were living with HIV. This figure includes 62,798 children, indicating that pediatric infections and mother-to-child transmission remain persistent concerns. While Kenya has made progress in reducing the number of babies born with HIV, gaps in testing, treatment, and maternal care continue to expose thousands of children to unnecessary risk.
Youth remain the most affected group, with people aged 15 to 34 forming the bulk of new infections. This trend is particularly alarming because it affects the country’s most economically active and socially dynamic population. Factors such as limited access to accurate sexual health information, low testing rates among young people, stigma, and risky sexual behaviors contribute significantly to continued infections in this age group. Public health experts stress the importance of investing in youth-focused awareness programs, expanding access to youth-friendly health services, and leveraging peer education to reach young people more effectively.
Despite the challenges, the NSDCC noted pockets of significant progress. Counties such as Elgeyo-Marakwet, Wajir, Mandera, Kisii, Machakos, Kericho, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Bomet, Baringo, Trans-Nzoia, and Laikipia recorded a remarkable 75 percent drop in new HIV infections. These declines show that when counties implement strong prevention programs, expand testing, and ensure access to treatment, infections can be drastically reduced. The Council encourages other counties to study and adopt the strategies used in these high-performing regions.
Looking ahead, Kenya is projected to record a 52 percent decrease in new infections in 2025 if prevention measures continue to improve and treatment uptake remains strong. The NSDCC says this goal is achievable but will require consistent funding, stronger community engagement, and county-led approaches that reflect the realities on the ground.