Kenya has recorded steady progress in the fight against malaria, with national incidence declining from 104 to 72 cases per 1,000 population between 2023 and 2025, even as the country strengthens accountability, expands local production of antimalarial commodities, and champions the Zero Malaria Campaign across the region.
The gains were highlighted during a consultative session between the Ministry of Health and the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), led by Executive Secretary Joy Phumaphi, where Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale reviewed national achievements and persistent challenges in eliminating malaria nationwide.
CS Duale noted that integrated service delivery supported by more than 107,000 Community Health Promoters has significantly improved early case detection, referrals, treatment adherence, and uptake of preventive interventions at household level, contributing to improved survival among children under five and better maternal health outcomes, particularly in high-burden counties.
Guided by the Kenya Malaria Strategy 2023–2027, the CS reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving an 80 percent reduction in malaria incidence, a 90 percent reduction in mortality, and interruption of indigenous transmission in selected counties by 2028.
To accelerate progress, Duale proposed enhanced collaboration with ALMA aligned to Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda, including support for the Reproductive-Age Mortality Survey (RAMOS) to strengthen data-driven decision-making, scaled implementation of the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) to improve planning, budgeting, and accountability for maternal and newborn outcomes, and expanded partnerships to mobilise sustainable financing for life-saving interventions.
“Strengthening data systems, accountability, and sustainable financing remains critical to reducing maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality while advancing towards a malaria-free Africa,” he emphasized.
In addition, the CS highlighted that Kenya’s malaria response is further supported by broader health sector reforms, including the Digital Superhighway Programme, the Social Health Authority, Practice 360, and the Green Charter, all aimed at delivering equitable, efficient, and affordable healthcare and sustaining momentum towards Universal Health Coverage.
The session was attended by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, End Malaria Council Advisor Dr Willis Akhwale, Director of Family Health Dr Bashir Issak, and Kenya National Public Health Institute Acting CEO Dr Maureen Kamene, among other Ministry of Health officials.
By Michael Omondi
