Kenya’s total number of confirmed mpox cases has risen to 137 following the detection of nine new infections, the Ministry of Health has announced.
The latest cases have emerged from counties beyond the Northern Transport Corridor, signaling a wider geographic spread of the disease. So far, mpox cases have been reported in 17 counties: Busia (48), Mombasa (37), Nakuru (16), Makueni (10), Nairobi (5), Kajiado (3), Bungoma (3), Taita Taveta (2), Kericho (2), Kilifi (2), Kiambu (1), Uasin Gishu (1), Migori (1), Machakos (2), Isiolo (1), Kisii (1), and Kirinyaga (1).
Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, confirmed that contact tracing remains a key focus in controlling the outbreak. So far, 400 contacts have been identified, and 315 have completed the 21-day monitoring period. Among these, nine individuals tested positive for the virus.
“Additionally, over 4.8 million travellers have been screened at the Points of Entry, and suspected cases are identified for further investigation. Suspected Mpox samples are tested at the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) and partner laboratories. 597 samples have undergone testing, of which 137 have tested positive,” she said in a statement.
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry—working in partnership with county governments and other stakeholders—has stepped up interventions in the affected regions. These include intensified surveillance, active case searches, contact listing and tracing, case investigation, and symptomatic treatment of confirmed patients.
To boost public knowledge and participation, the Ministry has expanded its awareness campaign. So far, 15 million SMS alerts have been sent to mobile users via Safaricom, aiming to inform the public about mpox.
Members of the public can also access prevention and control information by calling 719 or dialling *719#, services that are provided free of charge.
The Principal Secretary has reiterated the government’s unwavering resolve in tackling the outbreak and safeguarding public health.
