Kenya records increase in new HIV infections

HIV blood sample. [Courtesy/GettyImages]

Barely four years from the set timeframe for eliminating HIV/AIDS, new data shows that Kenya is experiencing an increase in both new HIV cases and Aids-related deaths.

Data from the National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC) shows that 19,991 new infections were recorded in 2024, representing a 19 per cent increase from 16,752 cases in 2023.

Of the new infections, 4,349 were children aged zero to 14 years, while 32 per cent of all new HIV infections occurred among adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 years.

NSDCC Chief Executive Officer Douglas Bosire expressed concern during the commemoration of World AIDS Day, saying the numbers are worrying.

“Kenya has made significant progress on the HIV response, reducing new infections, lowering HIV/Aids-related deaths, and expanding access to prevention and treatment.

“Yet, even as we celebrate these gains, we stand at a crossroads. In the last five years, new HIV infections reduced by 52 per cent, from 41,416 in 2019 to 19,991 in 2024, with the lowest reduction among children at 36 per cent. However, last year, new HIV infections increased by 19 per cent from 16,752 to 19,991 in 2024,” said Bosire.

Aids-related deaths in Kenya have also slightly increased over the last five years.

In 2019, at least 20,997 people died of Aids-related complications, a number that increased to 21,007 in 2024.

“Although men and boys account for 35 per cent of all people living with HIV, nearly half (47 per cent) of all Aids-related deaths occurred among men,” noted Bosire.

“This indicates a disproportionate burden and underscores persistent gaps in treatment uptake and adherence within this population.”

Cases of mothers infecting babies with HIV remain high at 9.3 per cent, up from seven per cent in 2022.
According to the data, the rise in mother-to-child transmission reflects persistent gaps in prevention, including missed antenatal care visits, poor antiretroviral therapy adherence, and retention.

Nevertheless, counties in arid and semi-arid areas are recording mother-to-child transmission rates above 20 per cent.

“While HIV mother-to-child transmission rates have declined over time, the national target remains unmet, with an increase recorded in the past year to 9.3 per cent,” said the NSDCC boss.

According to Bosire, despite Kenya’s collective progress, the triple threat of new HIV infections, mistimed pregnancies, and sexual and gender-based violence among adolescents and young people remains a concern.

For example, in 2024, adolescents aged 10 to 19 years accounted for a significant increase in new HIV infections, rising by 34 per cent from 2,083 in 2023 to 2,799.

In 2024, over 240,000 adolescent pregnancies were recorded, representing 16 per cent of all pregnancies at first ANC nationwide.

“Eight in 10 new HIV infections among those aged 10 to 24 years are adolescent girls and young women, whereas 41 per cent of adult new HIV infections occur among adolescents and young people aged 15 to 24 years,” noted Bosire.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, on his part, said adolescents and young people continue to bear a disproportionate burden of new HIV infections.

Aligning with this year’s theme, ‘End Aids in adolescents and young people,’ the CS emphasised that protecting the next generation is a shared responsibility.

This, he said, can be attained through youth-led and community-based interventions, where the ministry is scaling up prevention, expanding access to sexual and reproductive health services, and tackling the social and structural factors that heighten HIV vulnerability.

Duale at the same time encouraged Kenyans to go for HIV testing to ease treatment, suppress viral load, and avert AIDS-related deaths.

The CS regretted that half a million Kenyans still do not know their HIV status.

Data shows that at least 13 in every 100 people living with HIV were not on ART in 2024, with 83 per cent of people on ART virally suppressed, indicating challenges in adherence and treatment interruption.

“Testing remains the gateway to prevention, treatment, and care, and I urge every Kenyan to take advantage of the many convenient testing options now available.

‘‘Knowing one’s status safeguards both individual well-being and community health,” said Duale.

Ten counties accounted for 60 per cent of all new infections in 2024.

The counties include Nairobi, Kisumu, Busia, Kakamega, Mombasa, Kiambu, Kajiado, Kericho, Kilifi, and Kisii.

Other counties with high numbers of new infections are Machakos, Nairobi, Trans Nzoia, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Embu, Samburu, and Tharaka Nithi.

Meanwhile, the scourge remains unevenly distributed across the country, with seven counties – Nairobi, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya, Kiambu, and Mombasa – accounting for 50 per cent of all people living with HIV.

The patterns underscore persistent regional disparities and the continued need for differentiated, county-led interventions to achieve equitable epidemic control, according to NSDCC.

With reduced donor support in HIV care following the withdrawal of USAID, NSDCC chairman Ahmed Abass said that under Universal Health Coverage (UHC), integrating HIV care and treatment into Social Health Authority Funds remains a priority.