Kenya is experiencing an mpox outbreak that has reached 40 out of 47 counties in the country. As of September 6, 2026, the total confirmed mpox cases in Kenya are 1,298, and there have been 19 deaths. Mombasa is the county with the highest number of cases, while seven counties need increased alertness due to their location near major transport routes and border crossings.
The recent data shows the geographical spread of the disease and has raised calls for increased surveillance, vaccination, and prevention.
Mpox Outbreak Hits 40 Counties in Kenya
In view of the fact that infections have been noted in 40 counties, it shows that mpox infection has not remained in just a few counties. The health experts have issued a warning regarding continued transmission and asked the people to be aware of the symptoms and take precautionary measures.
Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Dr. Mary Muthoni pointed out that the authorities are taking measures for disease surveillance and increasing awareness among the masses, and also carrying out the process of vaccination.
Mombasa Is the Most Affected County
Mombasa is the most affected county in terms of cases of mpox with 452 infections, followed by Nairobi with 320 cases and Busia with 115 cases.
Other counties that have been identified as high-risk are Makueni, Kiambu, Kilifi and Nakuru. They have been selected due to their proximity to major transport routes, international borders, and other areas from which the infection can be transmitted.
| County | Number of Confirmed Cases |
| Mombasa | 452 |
| Nairobi | 320 |
| Busia | 115 |
| Makueni | 85 |
| Kiambu | 44 |
| Kilifi | 38 |
| Nakuru | 31 |
In particular, it is notable that the majority of cases are concentrated in both Mombasa and Nairobi since they are both major population centers and transport centers in Kenya. Busia County is another region where mpox can be spread via transportation.
Why Transportation Corridors Are Important
Moreover, Kenya’s past mpox surveillance efforts have already noted cases of mpox among people who are located in areas linked to the major transport corridor in Mombasa-Malaba. In 2025, a 2025 analysis carried out by the CDC revealed that there were cases in Mombasa, Busia, Makueni and Nakuru, which are situated along or close to this highway.
Steps Taken by Kenya to Combat Mpox
The Ministry of Health in Kenya is urging Kenyans to ensure better hygiene and disease-prevention measures even as the authorities are conducting surveillance and vaccinations. Public awareness and screening for any infection are being done at points of entry in order to contain the situation.
Mpox has emerged in tandem with another outbreak of other diseases, thus exerting greater strain on the Kenyan health sector. While there are no reports of any cases of Ebola in Kenya, efforts towards surveillance are still ongoing.
Conclusion
While 1,298 cases of mpox and 19 deaths confirm the seriousness of the disease, the spread of mpox cases in 40 counties indicates that the disease has become a matter of national concern. While the focus has shifted from sporadic cases to national surveillance due to infections in 40 counties, the disease remains prevalent in the aforementioned seven counties.
Africa’s Latest Health and Development Challenges
- Why Is Goma Facing Mpox Crisis?
Check out how displacement and ongoing conflict are worsening Goma’s deadly mpox outbreak. - Why Has Africa Declared Mpox Emergency?
Find out why the African Union declared a public health emergency over the mpox outbreak. - Where Are New Mpox Outbreaks Spreading?
Uncover the latest monkeypox outbreaks reported in the Central African Republic and Kenya. - Why Is WHO Addressing Africa’s Mpox Crisis?
Browse the reasons behind WHO’s emergency meeting on Africa’s growing mpox crisis. - Why Is Dangote’s Kenya Refinery Struggling?
Reveal the major hurdles facing Dangote’s $16 billion Lamu refinery megaproject.
