Kenya has recorded 1,309 confirmed mpox cases and 19 deaths as the government steps up surveillance of disease outbreaks across the country.
The cases have been reported in 40 counties as of September 12, 2026, according to the Ministry of Health.
Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni has called for stronger coordination among health agencies and counties to improve the country’s response to emerging health threats.
The PS made the call during the ministry’s weekly management meeting, where officials also reviewed the country’s preparedness for several diseases and the anticipated El Niño rains.
Apart from mpox, Kenya has recorded 469 measles cases, including one death.
The country has also confirmed one case of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 in Dadaab, Garissa County.
Muthoni directed health officials to maintain close surveillance of mpox, measles and polio and ensure that suspected cases are identified and responded to on time.
She also called for heightened surveillance at Points of Entry as Kenya remains alert to the risk of Ebola.
The ministry is also preparing for a possible increase in water- and vector-borne diseases associated with the anticipated El Niño rains.
Muthoni further encouraged the counties to enhance their readiness, especially those that are prone to floods and heavy rains.
She called for vaccination and engagement of the community and protecting the health workers who will be dealing with the outbreaks.
Public Health Conference in Kenya
She also encouraged coordination in preparation for Kenya Public Health International Conference (KEPHIC) 2026.
This conference will happen from October 27 to 29, 2026.
Muthoni encouraged State departments and divisions within the Ministry of Health to support the preparations for the conference and use the same in discussing disease prevention, primary health care, health security, and climatic resilience.
Preparations for the conference are ongoing at the KEPHIC website.
This conference will happen when the Ministry of Health is trying to improve the response capacity of Kenya to infectious diseases and prepare for the challenges that may come due to the changing weather conditions.
