Syphilis resurgence raises concern in Kenyan cities and transport corridors
via Tuko5 min read
Health officials in Kenya are concerned about a resurgence of syphilis in urban centers, transport corridors, and vulnerable rural communities, despite overall national progress in controlling its spread. Data from the National Syndemic Disease Control Council NSDCC indicates that while national infection rates have declined, several counties are experiencing increasing or persistently high case numbers. Nairobi recorded the highest number of cases in 2025 with 1,068, while Homa Bay showed a higher positivity rate of 1.4%. Uasin Gishu and Machakos have been identified as resurgence zones due to sharp increases in infections. Medical experts warn that untreated syphilis can lead to severe complications, especially for pregnant women and their unborn children. Public health officials have identified individuals with multiple sexual partners and pregnant women who do not attend antenatal clinics as particularly vulnerable. Challenges include long distances to health facilities, stigma, and shortages of testing kits. However, targeted interventions in counties like Turkana, Kakamega, Bungoma, and Narok have shown success in reducing cases. To strengthen the fight, the Ministry of Health and the NSDCC launched the Kenya AIDS Integration Strategic Framework KAISF 2025-2030, which aims to integrate syphilis management with services for HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis, with a goal to bring national syphilis prevalence at antenatal care clinics to below one percent by 2030.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
Must ReadProtests erupted in Nanyuki on June 9 against the construction of a US-linked Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, intended to house American citizens infected with Ebola from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Local communities opposed the 50-bed facility, citing the risk of the virus spreading and a lack of public consultation. The shooting death of 17-year-old Sylvester Muigai Ndung'u during the demonstrations further fueled public anger, with witnesses claiming he was shot by police. Despite a High Court order halting the facility's opening, construction has reportedly continued. President William Ruto defended the project, calling stopping it "inhuman." Photographs of police officers wearing uniforms resembling those of the British Army Training Unit Kenya during the protests have raised questions, though the British High Commission denied involvement. Prominent Kenyan lawyer Dr. Miguna Miguna criticized the government's defiance of judicial authority. Activists are planning new protests for June 25 in Nanyuki to demand justice for Sylvester Muigai Ndung'u and the cancellation of the Ebola facility.
Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna faces increasing political pressure within the Orange Democratic Movement ODM, with plans reportedly underway to remove him from key leadership positions in the Senate. This development follows the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal's temporary nullification of ODM's attempt to remove Sifuna as secretary-general, though the tribunal allowed for disciplinary proceedings to restart if due process is followed. Sifuna was previously removed from the Senate Energy Committee and not assigned to a new one, a move interpreted as an effort to isolate him. Sources indicate advanced discussions to eject him from the Deputy Minority Whip position. Pressure is reportedly coming from both ODM and allies of the broad-based government, who view Sifuna's continued criticism of the party's cooperation agreement with President William Ruto as a political liability. Sifuna has been a vocal opponent of ODM's new relationship with Kenya Kwanza, advocating for the party to remain in opposition, and his association with the Linda Mwananchi movement has further strained relations with senior ODM figures. Makueni senator Dan Maanzo confirmed ongoing discussions regarding Sifuna's removal from Senate leadership. Political observers suggest this conflict reflects an ideological struggle within ODM as the party redefines its identity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
New research indicates that daycare centers in Kenya are crucial for economic growth and women's empowerment. Access to affordable childcare helps mothers reduce unpaid care work, creating employment opportunities, fostering business growth, and improving family welfare. These findings were presented at a Nairobi conference involving daycare providers, parents, development partners, researchers, and government officials. Participants challenged the perception of daycare centers as mere holding places for children, asserting their evolution into vital economic and social services that support child development and women's workforce participation. A study by Population Council Kenya, Tiny Totos, and the Consortium of Women Empowerment in Nairobi's low-income settlements found that quality childcare significantly reduces the time mothers spend on childcare, enabling them to pursue employment. Dr. Timothy Abuya of Population Council-Kenya highlighted the broader economic impact, including food supply chains, transport services, and community savings groups formed by mothers. Quality daycare also leads to improved child development, better nutrition, and increased economic participation among caregivers, with consistent attendance linked to positive developmental outcomes in language, social-emotional growth, and overall well-being. Despite these benefits, the sector faces challenges, particularly regarding regulation and licensing costs. Faith Kamande, a daycare operator, noted t