The number of Kenyans tested for syphilis rose from 1.29 million in 2020 to 1.42 million in 2025, even as cases fell from 16,000 to 9,000.
Nairobi County recorded the highest number of cases, rising from 961 in 2023 to 1,068 in 2025 among 161,020 people tested. Homa Bay County had the highest infection rate at 1.4 percent.
Uasin Gishu and Machakos counties also showed sudden increases in cases. Experts linked the trend to population mobility and weak disease tracking systems.
NSDCC Director General Dr Douglas Bosire said all counties have been directed to ensure testing is available. Kenya aims to reduce syphilis rates among pregnant women to below one percent by 2030.
