Kenya Expands Disease Prevention Campaign to 12th County as Health Crisis Grows
Kiambu, 31 January 2026
Kenya’s government has rolled out its Epuka Uchafu health campaign to Kiambu County, making it the twelfth region to adopt the initiative aimed at preventing diseases through improved hygiene and sanitation. The programme addresses a stark reality: nearly 50% of illnesses stem from environmental factors, according to health officials. Launched at Ruiru Market on 30th January 2026, the campaign promotes basic but critical practices including handwashing, proper waste disposal, and clean public spaces. A 16-member steering committee will coordinate enforcement across the county, whilst officials warn that poor hygiene contributes to cholera, bilharzia, and malaria outbreaks.
National Campaign Reaches Critical Mass
The Kiambu activation follows a strategic rollout across Kenya, with the county joining Turkana, Nakuru, Murang’a, Tharaka Nithi, Kisumu, Migori, Narok, Kisii, Machakos, West Pokot, and Laikipia in implementing the disease prevention programme [1]. Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni emphasised during the 30th January launch that environmental cleanliness serves as a frontline defence against disease, directing public health officers to strictly enforce existing sanitation and hygiene laws [1]. The campaign’s inclusion of Turkana County is particularly significant given its role as host to major refugee settlements including Kakuma and Kalobeyei, where overcrowded conditions can amplify disease transmission risks for both refugee and host communities [GPT].
Multi-Agency Coordination Strengthens Implementation
The government has established robust governance structures to ensure campaign effectiveness, with Muthoni inaugurating a 16-member Kiambu County Multi-Agency Steering Committee to coordinate implementation, enforcement, and accountability at county level [1]. The Principal Secretary met with county leadership ahead of the rollout, focusing on strengthening coordination and securing support for the national public health campaign [7]. These discussions positioned Kiambu County as a key partner in advancing grassroots public health efforts through preventive health measures [7]. The Ministry of Health has emphasised that every county will set aside dedicated days for community-wide environmental cleaning activities [8].
Health Challenges Addressed Through Basic Interventions
The campaign targets fundamental hygiene practices that officials identify as critical disease prevention measures, including hand-washing after toilet use, regular bathing particularly for children, proper waste disposal, and maintaining clean surroundings [1]. Muthoni warned that poor hygiene and unsafe environments contribute directly to diseases such as cholera, bilharzia, and malaria, stressing the importance of clean markets, functional dustbins, and well-managed public spaces [1]. The initiative also emphasises safe drinking water usage and consistent toilet use, with county governments called upon to prioritise and adequately resource public health services [1]. Officials have linked the campaign to early health-seeking behaviour and registration with the Social Health Authority, where primary healthcare services are provided free of charge [1].
Broader Health Concerns Drive Comprehensive Approach
Beyond environmental health, the campaign addresses substance abuse issues that particularly affect Kiambu and neighbouring counties, with Muthoni raising concerns over illicit brews and narcotic drug abuse [1]. Officials warn that substance abuse destroys families, disrupts education, and increases the risk of serious illnesses including cancer [1]. The Ruiru Market activation concluded with a practical demonstration through a market clean-up exercise, reinforcing the core message that clean environments form the foundation of healthy communities [1]. The event brought together key officials including Deputy County Commissioner Titus Macharia, Kiambu County Executive Committee Member for Health Dr Elias Maina, and County Director of Health Dr Hilary Kagwah [1].