Kenya cholera deaths rise more than five times as toll quietly goes up

Cholera risk rises as floods and drought strain fragile health systems, experts warn

Kenya recorded 27 cholera deaths in 2025, more than fivefold the number reported in 2024, as the global disease burden rose to its highest level in more than two decades.

The country reported 725 cholera cases and 27 deaths to the World Health Organization (WHO) last year, compared with 613 cases and five deaths in 2024.

Reported cases increased by about 18 per cent, while deaths increased more than five times.

The figures put Kenya 11th among African countries by reported cholera deaths in 2025 and 12th globally.

"The rise in cholera deaths is a reminder of the challenge ahead,” said Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, executive director of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme.

“No one should be dying from cholera today when we have the tools to prevent and treat this disease. The concentration of cases and deaths in a small number of countries shows where targeted investments in safe water, sanitation and hygiene could have the greatest impact," he said.

The WHO boss said the investments combined with stronger disease surveillance, community engagement, vaccination and access to quality care can help turn around the trend.

The WHO figures are based on surveillance reports submitted by countries and should not be taken as the actual number of cholera infections or deaths. The agency warned that countries differ in their ability to detect cases, test patients and record deaths, particularly deaths occurring outside health facilities.

The increase in Kenya casualties came as the global cholera picture worsened.

In 2025, 47 countries reported 451,499 cholera cases and 7,870 deaths to WHO. Although reported cases fell by 19.5 per cent from 560,823 in 2024, deaths increased by 30.6 per cent from 6,028.

The 7,870 deaths were the highest annual number reported to WHO since 1999.

The WHO African Region carried the largest burden, reporting 245,501 cases and 5,338 deaths. Its reported cases increased by 34 per cent from 2024, while deaths rose by 58 per cent.

Kenya’s reported facility-based case fatality rate was 2.9 per cent in 2025. WHO considers a facility-based case fatality rate of less than one per cent to be the expected level when patients receive prompt and appropriate treatment.

Of Kenya's 27 reported deaths, 21 occurred in health facilities and six occurred in communities.

Community deaths can indicate that sick people are not reaching medical care in time.

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It spreads mainly when people consume food or water contaminated with faeces from an infected person, making it particularly dangerous where clean water, toilets and proper waste disposal are lacking.

The main danger is the speed at which the illness can cause the body to lose water and salts. Severe cholera can cause large amounts of watery diarrhoea and vomiting, rapidly leading to dehydration. Without prompt treatment, dehydration can lead to shock and death.

But cholera deaths are largely preventable. Patients can be treated by quickly replacing water and salts lost through diarrhoea and vomiting. Oral rehydration solution can be given to many patients, while those with severe dehydration may require fluids through a vein. Antibiotics may also be given to some patients.

Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni last month warned of a possible rise in waterborne diseases as heavy rains begin to pound several parts of the country.

She urged Kenyans to take preventive public health measures, including clearing blocked drainage systems, draining stagnant water and cutting bushes around homes to prevent flooding and reduce disease risks.

Muthoni said the El Niño-driven rains have increased the risk of diseases such as malaria, cholera, typhoid and bilharzia due to poor sanitation and stagnant water.

“If water reaches near your doorway, make sure you drain it away by digging trenches for it to flow. Many of the diseases affecting our communities can be prevented through simple hygiene practices,” she said.

She advised residents to sleep under mosquito nets to prevent malaria and ensure utensils and food are kept clean to avoid cholera and other waterborne diseases.

The PS urged parents to supervise children while travelling to and from school, warning that floods and fast-flowing rivers can pose serious dangers.