The top diseases sending Kenyans to hospitals

Almost 40% of Kenyan patients visiting healthcare centers receive a diagnosis related to malaria.

espiratory diseases

or malaria.

As stated in the

Economic Survey 2025

, launched in Nairobi on Tuesday.

The outpatient records show that respiratory ailments accounted for 30.2%.

per cent

Of the 66.2 million overall disease cases addressed in the previous year

,

an increase from 22.4

per cent

in 2023.

Such conditions

Include conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and various lung infections; authorities attribute these mainly to air pollution and shifting seasonal weather patterns.

Malaria followed, comprising 5.7

per cent

Although this indicates a decrease compared to the prior year’s figure of 5.3 million cases, it remains a considerable public health issue, especially within areas where the disease is prevalent.

Skin diseases, diarrhea, and urinary tract infections also remained prevalent, with each condition representing more than 4% of cases.

per cent

of reported cases. Meanwhile, rheumatism and joint-related illnesses affected 2.6

per cent

of patients, reflecting the impact of an aging population and occupational strain.

Perhaps most notably, the overall disease burden dropped by 24.6

per cent

compared to the previous year, indicating an encouraging trend in general health or a shift in healthcare-seeking behaviour.

However, this could also be related to Kenyans failing to visit hospitals during the messy transition to Social Health Authority.

”


Registration of citizens to SHA began on 1


st


In July 2024, when the rollout began,


st


October


2024,” the report indicates..

Medical experts are

also

encouraging sustained funding for preventative measures, enhanced hygiene facilities, and health awareness programs, particularly in countryside regions and densely populated city centers.

The document also raises eyebrows by noting that an individual was discovered infected with Guinea-worm disease, a debilitating ailment brought about by Dracunculus medinensis—a parasite resembling a slender, filamentous worm.

It’s unexpected since Kenya received certification for being free from Guinea Worm Disease (GWD) back in 2018.