Improving the quality of life of former tobacco farmers in Kenya

NairobiSince the launch of the Tobacco-Free Farms initiative in 2022, over 9000 farmers in Kenya have shifted from tobacco farming to alternative livelihoods.  

The initiative’s primary aim is to provide tobacco farmers with sustainable, profitable livelihoods by encouraging them to grow alternative food crops. This not only addresses the health risks of tobacco farming but also the social, economic and environmental damage it causes.

Kenya steps up national cholera preparedness and response

NairobiKenya is strengthening its national cholera outbreak preparedness and response during the current long rainy season, expected to last until the end of May. Four counties ‒ Nairobi, Kisumu,Migori and Kwale ‒ are experiencing a cholera outbreak, which was declared in late February 2025. So far, 256 suspected cases and 13 deaths have been reported, with a case fatality rate of 5.2%, exceeding the 1% threshold which indicates early and adequate treatment of cholera patients. 
 

World health day 2025: Putting mothers and newborns first in Kajiado, Kenya

Kajiado County—WHO Kenya joined hands with the Ministry of Health, Kajiado County leaders, health partners, and community members to mark World Health Day. The theme for this year is "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures", focusing on efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths and prioritizing women’s long term health and wellbeing.

Kenya gives newborns a healthy beginning

NairobiKenya has made remarkable progress in promoting breastfeeding. Between 2003 and 2022, exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months increased from 13% to 60%, surpassing World Health Assembly’s target of at least 50% by 2025, and exceeding the 2023 global average of 48%. 

Improving access to sexual and reproductive health services in Kenya

Rumuruti—At just 20 years old, Esther Wamuhu from Laikipia West is determined to rewrite her future. A few years ago, she had to put her education on hold after an unintended pregnancy. Now, she is ready to return to school, finish her secondary education, and pursue her dream of going to university.

But there was one major hurdle — access to affordable family planning.

Kenya breaks new ground and pilots its first digital health campaign system

Nairobi – After five days of walking door-to-door, visiting churches and attending community gatherings, Margaret Khasiala finally gets to rest in her home in Chekalani, Western Kenya. She is one of 4,250 community health promoters who worked to ensure up to 13 million children across Kenya received medicines to combat neglected tropical diseases. 

Kenya: Strengthening the health workforce

Nairobi – Five years ago, Esther Omagwa was one of only two nurses at the Railways Health Centre in Kisumu County, western Kenya. The immense workload often exhausted her, forcing her to turn away clients.

Today, the scene at the community health centre is remarkably different. With the nursing staff now expanded to a team of four, Omagwa and her colleagues are better equipped to deal with the load.