NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ministry of Health has warned Kenyans to brace for a heightened risk of cholera, typhoid, dysentery and other waterborne diseases as the country prepares for anticipated El Niño rains.
Principal Secretary for Public Health Mary Muthoni urged county governments and residents to step up measures to prevent water contamination, improve sanitation and strengthen disease surveillance.
Muthoni, however, stressed that the warning does not mean Kenya or Nairobi is currently experiencing an outbreak.
“I am not announcing an outbreak. I am simply saying there is a high risk of contamination and also infection of such diseases,” she said.
Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Eldoret on alert
Muthoni identified Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Eldoret among the towns requiring heightened attention, particularly informal settlements and other areas where access to safe water and sanitation remains limited.
Heavy rains can increase the risk of contamination when sewage systems overflow, drainage networks are overwhelmed and contaminated water mixes with drinking-water sources.
The PS urged residents who rely on unsafe or uncertain water sources to use approved water-treatment products and follow the recommended dosage.
She warned against using excessive quantities of water-treatment tablets.
“Don’t put nine tablets when you have been advised to put only one or two tablets,” Muthoni cautioned.
Treated water should also be kept in clean, covered containers to prevent recontamination through dirty hands, utensils or other sources.
Ministry urges Kenyans to tighten hygiene
PS Muthoni called on households to maintain strict handwashing, particularly after using the toilet, before preparing or eating food and before washing babies.
She also advised Kenyans to ensure food is thoroughly cooked and eaten while still hot.
Residents were urged to use toilets and immediately report leaking or overflowing sewage to the relevant authorities.
Muthoni raised concern over sanitation nationally, noting that 15 counties still practise open defecation, increasing the risk of contamination during periods of heavy rainfall.
County governments have been directed to work with water utilities and other water-management agencies to intensify water-quality monitoring, fix sewage leaks, protect drinking-water sources and improve waste disposal.
Hospitals told to prepare for more patients
The Ministry has also directed health facilities to prepare for a possible increase in diarrhoeal disease cases.
Facilities are expected to check their stocks of oral rehydration supplies, essential medicines and infection-prevention materials.
They have also been asked to assess staffing levels, test alternative water supplies and review referral arrangements to ensure suspected cases can be investigated and treated without delay.
Health teams have been instructed to investigate unusual clusters of diarrhoeal illness immediately and strengthen surveillance to identify emerging disease patterns.
CHPs to lead community awareness
Community Health Promoters (CHPs) will play a key role in the preparedness campaign by taking preventive-health messages to households and helping residents identify symptoms early.
Muthoni said CHPs would continue receiving training and health-promotion materials, including through regular Monday sessions held at 5 p.m.
“I am calling all our CHPs to ensure that they are alert, they understand what is happening within their locality, and they work with other health teams,” she said.
The Ministry’s El Niño contingency plan provides for coordination between national and county governments, water providers, city authorities and other stakeholders.
According to Muthoni, the immediate focus is on preventing contamination, detecting infections early and ensuring patients receive timely treatment.
The warning comes as the government steps up preparations for the health risks associated with heavy rains, with water safety, sanitation, disease surveillance and health-facility readiness forming key parts of the response.
