Turkana County has been officially categorized as a high malaria burden county under the 2023-2027 Kenya Malaria Strategy. This designation, based on data from the Kenya Health Information System, highlights the need for targeted interventions to combat malaria in the region, which has a prevalence rate of 39 percent far above the national average of six percent.
Several factors contribute to the high malaria burden in Turkana. The county’s pastoralist communities frequently move across borders with Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia, increasing exposure to malaria-prone regions. Additionally, the presence of refugee camps in Kakuma and Kalobeyei, coupled with rapid urbanization, exacerbates the situation. Seasonal malaria outbreaks occur during the rainy seasons, further stressing healthcare resources.
To address this challenge, the county has embraced various malaria control initiatives. One key intervention is the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) program, piloted in Turkana Central Sub-county in collaboration with Catholic Relief Services. Conducted between June and October 2024, this initiative targeted children aged 3 to 59 months and resulted in a 70 percent reduction in malaria infections. A second phase is planned for June to October 2025.
Further supporting malaria control efforts, the National Malaria Control Program and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) conduct routine surveillance every three months. KEMRI Kisumu is also launching vector studies to analyze mosquito species and their behavior, including the invasive Anopheles stephensi, discovered in 2022. This species thrives in urban areas and is resistant to conventional insecticides, contributing to increased malaria cases.
Turkana has also benefited from national interventions, such as the September 2024 Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) distribution campaign, which reached over 160,000 households across 22 high-burden counties. Additionally, the county is collaborating with the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology on the “Symbio Vector – Controlling Malaria from Within” project in Katilu Ward. This two-year research study explores the use of inherited microbes (Microsporidia-MB) to prevent malaria transmission by female mosquitoes.
Dr. Epem Esekon, County Executive Member for Health and Sanitation, emphasized the importance of these proactive measures in reducing malaria-related mortality and improving overall health outcomes. The County Health Department remains committed to accurate data collection, evidence-based resource allocation, community engagement, and integrated health services to ensure sustainable malaria control in Turkana.
