Nairobi Records Highest Number of New HIV Infections
Nairobi County has reported the highest number of new HIV infections in the country, with more than 3,000 fresh cases recorded in the past year. This is according to new official data released on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Across Kenya, a total of 19,991 new HIV infections were recorded during the same period, marking a worrying 19% increase compared to the previous year.
Health records also show that young people aged 15–34 years contributed to 54% of all new infections, highlighting a growing concern among this age group.
The new figures were released ahead of World AIDS Day, which will be marked tomorrow, Monday, December 1, 2025.
Health experts say the rise in infections among young people is linked to several factors, including low testing rates, inconsistent condom use, and limited access to prevention services, especially in informal settlements within major cities.
These challenges have made it harder for young people to know their HIV status early or access tools that reduce their risk.
On the same day the report was released, hundreds of Kenyans turned up at Nyayo National Stadium for the national HIV awareness half-marathon, an event organised by the Ministry of Health together with the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council.
This year’s marathon carried the theme “One Race, One Goal: Ending AIDS among Adolescents and Young People.” The event featured several categories, including 21 km, 10 km, 5 km, and 2 km races, all of which began at 6 a.m.
The Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, officially launched the marathon. While flagging off the participants, he encouraged both athletes and spectators to take time to get tested and to help spread the message of HIV prevention within their communities.
At the stadium, participants were offered free HIV testing and counselling, as well as information on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and other youth-friendly health services.
These services were aimed at promoting early testing and encouraging young people to adopt preventive measures.
To allow the races to run smoothly and safely, Mombasa Road was temporarily closed between Nyayo Stadium and Museum Hill until 10:30 a.m.
Similar community events—such as awareness walks, health forums, and youth outreaches—were held across all 47 counties as part of the national buildup towards World AIDS Day.
Kenya currently has 1.3 million people living with HIV who are on treatment. However, health authorities remain deeply concerned about the rising number of new infections, especially in Nairobi and among the youth.
Experts warn that unless stronger awareness campaigns and wider access to prevention services are implemented, the country risks falling behind in its efforts to reduce new HIV cases.
Officials stress that sustained education, community outreach, and improved access to testing and prevention tools are essential if Kenya is to meet its 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat.
As the country prepares to mark World AIDS Day tomorrow, the newly released statistics offer a clear reminder that the fight against HIV is still ongoing.
The rising infections signal that more effort, commitment, and community involvement are urgently needed to protect vulnerable groups and boost national progress in the response to HIV.
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