Kenya is set to enhance its malaria prevention efforts in Turkana by implementing a second round of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) in June 2025. This phase will integrate digital monitoring through the electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS) platform to improve tracking, reporting, and data-driven decision-making in malaria control efforts. The move follows a successful first phase in 2024, which was introduced after malaria cases in Turkana Central Sub-County increased significantly, with infections surging by more than 65% during the rainy season.
According to Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, assessments conducted by the National Malaria Control Programme, the County Government of Turkana, Moi University, and Duke University highlighted the seasonal spike in malaria cases during wet months. This prompted the government, with support from Catholic Relief Services (CRS), to launch the initial SMC campaign in June 2024, aimed at protecting children under five years old from malaria. The campaign was structured into five cycles, each spaced 28 days apart, ensuring that children received consistent preventive treatment throughout the malaria transmission period.
The first phase of the SMC campaign exceeded its initial target, reaching 40,123 children by the final cycle. The first cycle alone covered 88% of the target population, with 33,820 children receiving preventive malaria treatment. The second cycle surpassed expectations, covering 101% of the target with 39,229 children benefiting. Subsequent cycles maintained high coverage rates, with the third cycle reaching 95% of the target (36,741 children) and the fourth cycle achieving 100% coverage with 38,924 children. The final cycle recorded the highest performance, reaching 104% of the initial goal. These figures underscore the effectiveness of the initiative and the community’s strong participation.
With the integration of digital tracking in the upcoming 2025 phase, the government aims to enhance efficiency, reduce logistical challenges, and ensure real-time coordination of malaria prevention efforts. PS Muthoni stated that digital monitoring would allow health workers to collect accurate data on medication distribution and coverage rates, leading to more informed decisions and better resource allocation. This initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader strategy of leveraging technology in healthcare to improve service delivery and disease prevention.
In addition to SMC, Kenya has intensified other malaria control strategies, including Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS). In 2024, IRS campaigns were conducted in Busia and Migori counties with support from the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI). The intervention targeted high-transmission areas, reaching 423,037 structures out of 444,890 eligible households. Coverage in Busia stood at 95.1%, while Migori achieved 95.0%, both surpassing the World Health Organization’s recommended 85% threshold for effective IRS interventions. This initiative protected approximately two million people and contributed to a 50% reduction in malaria incidence in Busia County, where cases dropped from 746 per 1,000 people in 2023 to 358 per 1,000 in 2024.
Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Kenya, particularly in regions with high transmission rates. The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening malaria control measures and expanding interventions in the most affected areas. PS Muthoni emphasized that the data collected from the 2024 and 2025 SMC campaigns in Turkana will be analyzed to inform future malaria prevention strategies. The goal is to refine malaria control programs, enhance their effectiveness, and provide targeted support to high-burden regions.
By leveraging digital tools and strengthening malaria prevention programs, Kenya is taking critical steps toward reducing malaria cases and protecting vulnerable populations, particularly young children. The expansion of these interventions reflects the government’s broader commitment to eliminating malaria as a public health threat and improving overall health outcomes across the country.
