Kenya’s urban areas are seeing the highest rates of new HIV infections, primarily driven by youths, including students, job seekers, and young workers, according to new data. Nairobi tops the list, followed by Kisumu and the recently elevated Nakuru City.
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reports that young people and children make up the majority of city populations. In Nairobi, for example, half of the population is aged between 15 and 34—the age group most affected by new infections.
The National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), which released the 2023 HIV Situation data, reported that 16,752 Kenyans were newly diagnosed with HIV this year. Over 51% of these new infections are concentrated in nine counties, including Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru, Migori, Homa Bay, Uasin Gishu, Siaya, Mombasa, Kakamega, Kericho, and Kajiado.
The report emphasizes a growing focus on incidence (new infections) rather than prevalence (total number of people living with HIV), as it highlights those most at risk and helps to better target public health responses. In terms of prevalence, Kisumu leads, followed by Homa Bay and Migori.
Though new infections decreased from 22,000 in 2022 to 16,752 in 2023, HIV-related deaths rose from 18,473 to 20,480, with men accounting for a disproportionately high number of deaths. Ruth Laibon-Masha, CEO of the NSDCC, highlighted that the rising mortality rate among men will be a key focus for this year’s World AIDS Day event, themed “It’s a Race Against Time” and marked by a marathon at Nyayo National Stadium.
Despite lower HIV prevalence among men (2.2%) compared to women (4.5%), men bear a higher burden of AIDS-related deaths. Of the 20,480 AIDS-related deaths in 2023, 41% (8,490) were men. Factors contributing to this include late HIV testing, poor adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART), and unhealthy behaviors like smoking and alcohol abuse. Men also represent 89% of people who inject drugs, further increasing their risk.
To address this, the NSDCC has launched a six-year framework targeting men and boys, emphasizing early intervention and access to HIV treatment and prevention services. While Kenya is on track to reduce new infections and AIDS-related deaths by 75% by 2025, challenges remain, including reliance on foreign aid for HIV funding. The US currently funds 66% of Kenya’s HIV budget, with a push for Kenya to diversify its sources of health financing as it transitions into a lower-middle-income country.
With over 1.38 million people living with HIV, Kenya remains one of the countries with the largest HIV burdens globally. However, progress continues as most people with HIV are now on ART, bringing the country closer to its goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
