Kirinyaga County has intensified efforts to combat Tuberculosis (TB) by strengthening early detection, diagnosis, and treatment as the country continues to grapple with a high burden of the disease.
The renewed push comes as the world marked World Tuberculosis Day 2026, with health experts warning that many TB cases remain undiagnosed, contributing to continued transmission and preventable deaths. Kenya records over 120,000 new TB infections annually, with thousands of deaths largely linked to delayed diagnosis and interrupted treatment.
Speaking in Wang’uru town in Mwea Constituency, the area leading in TB burden within the county, Kirinyaga County Infectious Disease Coordinator, Dr. Franklin Mwenda, described TB as a silent airborne disease that continues to pose a major public health threat.
Dr. Mwenda said TB primarily affects the lungs but can spread to almost all parts of the body once the bacteria enter the bloodstream.
“TB affects nearly every organ except hair, nails, and teeth. Once it spreads through the blood, it can settle in different body parts, making it more dangerous if not detected early,” he said.
He noted that about 80 per cent of TB cases are pulmonary, which are highly infectious, but warned that extra-pulmonary TB remains a major concern due to its complexity and delayed detection.
The coordinator highlighted spinal TB as one of the most dangerous forms, saying it often begins with mild but persistent back pain that many people ignore.
“If not treated early, the infection destroys spinal bones, leading to deformities such as a hunchback and, in severe cases, paralysis due to pressure on the spinal cord,” he warned.
Dr. Mwenda also raised concern over genital TB, noting that it affects the reproductive organs in both men and women and is often misunderstood or mistaken for other infections, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
He explained that because many people do not associate TB with reproductive health, patients may seek treatment late, increasing the risk of complications and long-term damage.
In men, he said, TB can affect the penis, testes, and scrotum, causing persistent swelling, pain, and discomfort. In some cases, it may present as lumps or inflammation that do not respond to common treatments, and if left untreated, it can interfere with sperm production, leading to infertility.
In women, the disease mainly targets glands near the vaginal opening, including the Bartholin glands, but can also spread internally to the uterus. This may result into serious fertility complications, sometimes making it difficult for women to conceive.
“TB is not sexually transmitted. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. However, when it affects reproductive organs, it can lead to long-term complications if not treated early,” he explained.
He urged the public to seek medical attention for any unusual or persistent symptoms.
He emphasized that all forms of TB are treatable when detected and patients adhere to medication. However, he cautioned that drug-resistant TB and extra-pulmonary forms such as genital TB require longer, more complex treatment and close medical follow-up to ensure full recovery and to prevent further spread of the disease.
Dr. Mwenda observed that men are more affected due to lifestyle factors and delays in seeking medical care, adding that the county is scaling up community outreach programmes targeting markets and social spaces to promote early testing.
He said the county has embraced modern diagnostic technology, including GeneXpert machines installed at Kerugoya County Referral Hospital, Kimbimbi, Sagana, and Thiba hospitals, which enable rapid detection of TB, including drug-resistant strains.
The coordinator identified key drivers of TB spread as close and prolonged contact in crowded places such as markets, public transport, and social gatherings, where the bacteria can easily pass from one person to another through the air.
He noted that poor nutrition weakens the body’s immune system, making it harder to fight off infection once infected, while underlying health conditions such as kidney disease further increase susceptibility to the disease.
Mwenda added that those living in poorly ventilated environments, especially in densely populated households, creates ideal conditions for TB transmission, as fresh air circulation is limited and infectious droplets remain in the air for longer periods.
He added that children under five years are particularly vulnerable because their immune systems are not fully developed, making it easier for the infection to progress rapidly once exposed.
Similarly, adults over the age of 65 years face higher risks due to weakened immunity and the likelihood of having other chronic illnesses. Dr. Mwenda emphasized the need for targeted protection of these groups through early screening, proper nutrition, improved living conditions, and timely medical intervention to reduce infections and prevent severe outcomes.
Dr. Mwenda reiterated that ending TB will require collective effort, early testing, and strict adherence to treatment.
“TB remains a silent but deadly disease. The best approach is early diagnosis, completing treatment, and working together as a community to stop its spread,” he said.
Dr.Mwenda emphasized that the Department of Health is intensifying efforts to prevent Tuberculosis (TB) through its Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy (TPT) programme. This initiative specifically targets individuals at high risk of infection, including household members of TB patients, pregnant mothers, and people living in confined settings such as prisons. By focusing on these groups, the department aims to halt the progression of latent infections before they become active, protecting those most vulnerable to the disease.
He further explained that people sharing close spaces with TB patients are systematically screened, and those found eligible are enrolled in preventive treatment. This proactive approach not only lowers the risk of developing active TB but also reduces the likelihood of further transmission within communities. By intervening early, the department seeks to safeguard public health and prevent outbreaks before they escalate.
Dr. Mwenda also highlighted training programmes for healthcare workers and community volunteers.
“By equipping our frontline staff to detect TB early and educate the public, we strengthen the health system and protect vulnerable groups before the disease takes hold,” he said.
Kirinyaga County Executive Committee Member for Health, George Karoki, said the Kirinyaga County is implementing a Strategic Operational Framework for Tuberculosis aimed at integrating TB services into routine healthcare, strengthening prevention, and expanding access through both public and private facilities.
The strategy focuses on community-based case finding, early diagnosis, and ensuring patients complete treatment, with support from community health promoters and private healthcare providers saying this will help the county to focus on identifying missing TB cases to curb transmission.
“We are still missing many cases, especially among men who report to hospitals late. Late detection increases transmission, raises treatment costs, and leads to more deaths,” said Karoki.
He noted that the county has rolled out an Integrated Sample Referral System to ensure that samples collected in remote areas are transported quickly to laboratories for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Karoki warned that failure to complete TB medication can lead to drug-resistant TB, which is more difficult and costly to treat.
County Director of Health Services, Esbon Gakuo, said the county recorded 1,500 TB cases in 2025 and continues to expand access to services.
He said Kirinyaga has established 107 TB treatment sites across both public and private health facilities, where residents can access free diagnosis and treatment.
Gakuo added that the county has set up a 24-bed TB isolation unit at Kerugoya County Referral Hospital and integrated digital X-ray services to strengthen early detection.
He urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, night sweats, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
The event also featured testimonies from TB survivors who shared their recovery journeys and encouraged others to seek treatment early.
Charity Wanjiru Ngatia, 30 years, narrated how she was diagnosed with TB in 2020 while pregnant, but successfully completed treatment and delivered a healthy baby.
“TB is curable if you follow the doctor’s instructions and complete your medication,” she said.
Charity added that TB treatment was free a move that helped her to complete medication without financial strain. She said the availability of free services played a key role in her recovery, especially during a difficult period when she was pregnant, allowing her to focus on her health without worrying about costs.
“From diagnosis to the end of my treatment, I didn’t pay anything. Everything was free, and that gave me the strength and hope to keep going,” she said.
By David Wandeto
