Four people have lost their lives and 15 others are currently hospitalised following a cholera outbreak in parts of Trans Mara West Sub-County, Narok County. The deceased include three adults and a child from Kilgoris Central, Lolgorian, and Shakoe wards.
The first suspected cases of acute watery diarrhoea were reported on September 29 at Trans Mara West Sub-County Hospital, where eight cases were registered on the same day. Laboratory tests conducted at the Trans Mara West facility and the Walter Reed Kericho laboratory confirmed that the patients were suffering from cholera.
In response to the outbreak, the Narok County Department of Health and Sanitation has banned food hawking across all trading centres and towns to curb further spread of the disease. Health authorities have also intensified awareness campaigns through Community Health Promoters (CHPs), who are moving from village to village sensitising residents on proper hygiene practices and disease prevention measures.
A temporary cholera treatment unit has been established at the Trans Mara West County Hospital to handle the rising number of patients. Health officials have distributed personal protective equipment (PPE), water treatment chemicals, and sanitation supplies to affected communities.
Residents have been urged to take preventive measures seriously, including washing hands regularly with clean water, drinking only treated water, and ensuring proper food handling and storage. Authorities have also emphasised the importance of using toilets and avoiding open defecation, one of the leading causes of cholera transmission.
The county government is working closely with health partners and humanitarian organisations to contain the outbreak. Efforts are underway to strengthen surveillance and conduct active case searches in health facilities and communities to detect and manage new infections early.
The Kenya Red Cross Society is also supporting the county by providing essential supplies such as protective gear, water treatment kits, and motorbikes for outreach activities. The organisation has partnered with CHPs to spread awareness and ensure timely response in affected areas.
With cases of cholera also reported in other parts of the country, Narok County health officials have heightened monitoring efforts to prevent further spread. The public is urged to maintain high levels of hygiene and report any suspected cases immediately to health facilities for prompt treatment.
