Nairobi County reported more than 3,000 new HIV cases over the past year, the highest in Kenya, as national infections rose 19% to 19,991. Youth aged 15-34 made up 54% of cases, driven by low testing rates and limited prevention access in urban areas. Authorities held awareness events ahead of World AIDS Day on December 1, 2025.
Official data released on November 30, 2025, revealed that Nairobi County led Kenya in new HIV infections, with over 3,000 cases in the previous year. Across the country, new infections totaled 19,991, marking a 19% increase from the prior year. The youth demographic, aged 15 to 34, accounted for 54% of these cases.
Health experts attributed the surge among young people to low testing rates, inconsistent condom use, and restricted access to prevention services, particularly in urban informal settlements. These figures emerged just before World AIDS Day on December 1, 2025, underscoring ongoing challenges in curbing the epidemic.
To raise awareness, the Ministry of Health and the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council organized a half-marathon at Nyayo National Stadium on the same day. The event, themed “One Race, One Goal: Ending AIDS among Adolescents and Young People,” featured races of 21 km, 10 km, 5 km, and 2 km, starting at 6 a.m. Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga flagged off the runners, urging them to get tested and promote prevention messages.
Free HIV testing, counseling, and information on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) were available at the stadium, alongside other youth-friendly services. Mombasa Road was closed from Nyayo Stadium to Museum Hill until 10:30 a.m. to ensure safety. Comparable awareness walks and community events occurred in all 47 counties.
Kenya has 1.3 million people living with HIV receiving treatment, but the increase in infections, especially in Nairobi and among youth, concerns authorities. Officials emphasize the need for ongoing campaigns and better access to testing and prevention to meet the 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat. The new statistics highlight that the fight against HIV remains unresolved.