Nairobi county has recorded the highest number of new HIV infections in 2025, according to estimates by the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council.
The council’s data shows that a total of 20,105 new HIV cases were identified across the country this year. Of these, 13,236 were among females, while 6,869 were among males. Children under 15 years accounted for 4,349 of the new infections, highlighting persistent vulnerabilities in mother-to-child transmission despite high prevention efforts.
“Kenya’s Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) coverage stands at 90.1 per cent, yet the mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) rate remains at 9.26 per cent,” highlighting gaps in achieving full protection for newborns.
Nairobi County led in new HIV infections, reporting 3,045 cases.
According to the data, out of the reported cases in Nairobi, females accounted for 2,113, while males were 931.
Migori was second, accounting for 1,572 cases recorded while Kisumu came third with 1,341 new infections.
Other counties with high new infections include Mombasa with 817, Siaya with 873, and Homa Bay with 1,180 cases.
Lamu county, Marsabit and Mandera recorded the least cases, with 36,40 and 67 respectively.
People living with HIV
In total, Kenya now has an estimated 1,326,419 people living with HIV (PLHIV), comprising 867,571 females and 458,848 males. Nairobi remains the county with the highest PLHIV population at 151,916, followed by Homa Bay at 104,317 and Migori at 99,510. In contrast, Wajir County has the lowest number of PLHIV at 701.
The age and sex distribution of new infections shows that adults aged 15 years and older account for the majority of cases, with 15,642 adults newly infected, including 4,609 males. Among children aged 0–14 years, 4,349 new infections were reported, indicating ongoing transmission risks to the youngest populations.
AIDS-related deaths remain a significant challenge, with the council estimating 21,009 fatalities across the country in 2025. Of these, 18,321 were adults and 2,688 were children. Nairobi County reported the highest number of AIDS-related deaths at 1,267, including 401 children. Other counties with high fatalities include Nakuru with 1,698 deaths, Kisumu 1,166, Homa Bay 1,092 and Migori 1,041. Counties such as Marsabit, Lamu and Tana River recorded the lowest deaths, with 32, 30 and 29 fatalities respectively.
Kenya surpasses global HIV targets.
Meanwhile, Kenya has achieved a major milestone in its fight against HIV, surpassing the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) 98-98-94 targets by the end of 2024.
Over 98 per cent of people living with HIV now know their status, 98 per cent of them are receiving treatment, and 94 per cent have achieved viral suppression, according to the Ministry of Health.
“Kenya has made remarkable progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Ninety-eight per cent of people living with HIV are aware of their status and are receiving treatment, and 94 per cent have achieved viral suppression,” said Dr Patrick Amoth, the Director General of Health in a press address two weeks ago.
This achievement is underpinned by widespread testing, expanded antiretroviral treatment, and comprehensive prevention efforts.
Testing coverage has grown steadily, with awareness of HIV status rising from 87 per cent in 2015 to 97 per cent in 2024.
Meanwhile, ARV treatment access has more than doubled over the past decade, increasing from 37 per cent in 2010 to 81 per cent in 2024, giving millions of Kenyans the chance to live longer, healthier lives.
Experts stress that while progress has been made in expanding HIV testing and treatment, sustained efforts are required to reduce new infections, particularly among women and children.
Comprehensive prevention programs, timely treatment and community-level awareness campaigns remain critical to reversing the current trends.
