For the first time in many years, Nairobi County has overtaken Homa Bay to lead nationally in new HIV infections. A report from the National Syndromic Disease Surveillance Council (NSDCC) shows a national rise in infections and deaths. This comes one day before World AIDS Day.
According to NSDCC data, Nairobi recorded 3,045 new HIV infections in 2024, surpassing Homa Bay. Migori ranked second with 1,572 infections, followed by Kisumu with 1,341. For many years, counties like Homa Bay, Migori, Kisumu, and Siaya had led the list.
National new infections rose by 19%, from 16,752 in 2023 to 19,991 in 2024. Ten counties, including Nairobi, Migori, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Busia, Siaya, Kakamega, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Bungoma, accounted for 60% of these cases. The national prevalence rate stood at 3.0%, with women at 4.0% compared to men at 2.0%.
The "Kenya HIV Estimates" report, released by NSDCC, indicates AIDS-related deaths increased to 21,007 in 2024 from 18,473 in 2023. "The total of 21,000 AIDS-related deaths recorded in 2024 reminds us of the need to intensify efforts to encourage early testing, adherence to treatment, and care for those living with HIV," said Medical Services Secretary Ouma Oluga.
However, the number of Kenyans living with HIV decreased to 1,326,336, including 62,798 children. New infections remain high among youth aged 15 to 34. Additionally, new infections dropped by 75% in counties such as Elgeyo-Marakwet, Wajir, Mandera, Kisii, Machakos, Kericho, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Bomet, Baringo, Trans-Nzoia, and Laikipia, though Nakuru also appears in the top 10 contributing counties.