By WMW
Kenya has made significant progress in the fight against malaria, with prevalence dropping from 8 per cent in 2015 to 6 per cent in 2025, even as the country intensifies efforts toward total elimination of the disease.
Speaking during the national celebrations to mark World Malaria Day in Kirinyaga County on Saturday, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni said the country has also recorded a 31 per cent reduction in malaria incidence over the past three years.
The event, held at Rukenya Primary School in Kirinyaga East Sub-County under the theme “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.”, brought together national and county leaders as well as health stakeholders.
Muthoni attributed the gains to sustained government interventions, including the distribution of over 14 million long-lasting insecticidal nets, expanded indoor residual spraying, and improved case management at the community level.
“We are seeing the impact of coordinated efforts across the country, but we must remain vigilant and sustain the momentum to completely eliminate malaria,” she said.
The Principal Secretary noted that the government has also adopted Multi-First-Line Therapy (MFT) as part of a broader strategy to address emerging drug resistance and ensure continued effectiveness of malaria treatment.
She emphasized that county governments remain central to the elimination agenda, playing a key role in implementation, accountability, and resource allocation.
Kirinyaga County has emerged as a model in malaria control, having recorded near-zero indigenous cases in recent years. It is among four counties targeted for total malaria elimination, alongside Nyeri County, Nyandarua County, and Laikipia County.
Ahead of the national event, Muthoni held a courtesy call with Kirinyaga County Commissioner Hussein Alasow, where she underscored the importance of collaboration between National Government Administration Officers and county health teams in preventing a resurgence of malaria cases.
She also highlighted the critical role of laboratory systems in surveillance and response, noting that Kirinyaga hosts one of the country’s reference laboratories for malaria diagnosis.
The PS said Kenya’s progress demonstrates that elimination is within reach if current efforts are sustained and strengthened, particularly at the community level.
The commemoration was attended by Kirinyaga Deputy Governor David Githanda and other senior government officials, who reiterated their commitment to supporting malaria eradication initiatives.
Kenya continues to position itself among countries making steady strides toward a malaria-free future, with health authorities now focusing on consolidating gains and accelerating targeted interventions to eliminate the disease entirely.