NAIROBI, Kenya – Pneumonia remains the leading cause of death among men in Kenya, even as the number of fatalities slightly dropped in 2024, according to the Kenya Vital Statistics Report released on Wednesday.
The report shows that 5,244 men succumbed to pneumonia in 2024, down from 5,404 in 2023, maintaining its grim grip as the top cause of male mortality for the fourth consecutive year.
Meanwhile, cancer has overtaken pneumonia as the deadliest disease among women, claiming 4,498 lives in 2024, a rise from 3,940 deaths in 2023.
Pneumonia followed closely with 4,438 deaths, a slight decrease from 4,562 the previous year.
“Pneumonia, cancer and cardiovascular diseases were the leading causes of registered deaths in health facilities in both 2023 and 2024,” the report reads.
Overall Death Trends in 2024
Out of 206,417 deaths registered in 2024:
- 54.9% were certified by medical practitioners (hospital deaths),
- 45.1% occurred in communities, with causes such as sudden death, pneumonia, and cancer dominating.
Top 10 causes of health facility deaths in 2024:
- Pneumonia – 9,682
- Cancer – 8,954
- Cardiovascular diseases – 7,478
- Hypertension – 5,035
- Injuries – 4,574
- Anaemia – 4,572
- Kidney diseases – 4,247
- Prematurity & birth asphyxia – 4,223
- Diabetes – 3,822
- Heart disease – 3,730
The report also notes that cancer has climbed significantly in national rankings — from the fifth leading cause of registered deaths in health facilities in 2021, to fourth in 2022, and now second in 2023 and 2024.
Declining Deaths in Other Conditions
The Vital Statistics Report highlights a reduction in registered hospital deaths from conditions such as:
- Asthma
- Malaria
- Pneumonia
- Road traffic accidents
- Tuberculosis (TB)
Despite these declines, the report paints a sobering picture of Kenya’s shifting disease burden, with non-communicable diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes becoming increasingly prominent.
Why the Data Matters
The annual report, compiled from data on births, deaths, marriages, and adoptions, serves as a critical tool for policymakers.
“Vital statistics are essential for socioeconomic planning, tracking health trends, and shaping evidence-based public policy,” the report notes.
As Kenya continues to face a rising tide of chronic illnesses, the findings are expected to shape health sector priorities, including calls for increased investment in preventive care, early screening, and non-communicable disease management.
