Narok health officials sound alarm on fake cholera vaccination drives amid rising cases
According to health officials, the vaccination drive will be accompanied by hygiene and sanitation sensitisation campaigns to ensure maximum protection against cholera.
Narok residents have been warned against falling victim to fake cholera vaccination drives, as authorities raise concerns over reports of fraudulent health campaigns in the Transmara region ahead of the festive season.
The county, which has seen a steady rise in cholera cases in recent months, is currently conducting an official door-to-door oral cholera vaccine (OCV) campaign targeting more than 263,000 residents in affected areas. The outbreak has already claimed four lives and left dozens hospitalised.
More To Read
- Health officials urge vigilance as cholera claims four lives in Narok
- Turkana County launches digital WASH Map to revolutionise water management
- Why you should always wash your towels separately from clothes
- Turkana marks major sanitation milestone as seven villages declared open defecation free
- Turkana and Mandera lead in open defecation despite national progress
- 2.1 billion people still without safe drinking water - UN report
Speaking on Thursday, Narok County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia urged residents to only seek medical services from recognised health facilities and to verify the credentials of anyone claiming to be a health officer.
“I urge residents to only seek medical services from recognised health facilities and to demand identification from anyone claiming to be a health officer,” he said.
Lotiatia reaffirmed the government’s commitment to public safety during the festive period and called for cooperation between citizens and law enforcement agencies to prevent road accidents, curb crime, and protect vulnerable groups.
Contain outbreak
The official OCV campaign has kicked off in Transmara West and Transmara South sub-counties, marking a major milestone in efforts to contain the outbreak. The door-to-door exercise aims to reach 263,205 residents across Kilgoris Central, Shankoe, Lolgorian, and Angata Barikoi wards.
The vaccine is being administered to individuals aged one year and above, including pregnant women. However, those suffering from hypersensitivity, acute illnesses, gastrointestinal issues, or fever-related conditions have been advised to postpone vaccination until they recover.
According to health officials, the vaccination drive will be accompanied by hygiene and sanitation sensitisation campaigns to ensure maximum protection against cholera.
Leading the exercise in Lolgorian and Kilgoris Central wards is County Director of Health Francis Kiio, supported by partners including the World Health Organisation (WHO) Kenya, the Kenya Red Cross, and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
Narok County Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health Services, Lucy Kashu, confirmed that the outbreak was first detected in September in Kilgoris Central, Shankoe, and Lolgorian wards within the Transmara West and South sub-counties.
“A suspected cholera outbreak has been reported in Transmara West Sub-county, Narok County, with a total of 34 suspected cases identified between September 23 and October 2. Tests conducted at the Transmara West Sub-County Hospital and the Walter Reed Kericho Laboratory confirmed cholera infections on October 3,” Kashu said.
First suspected cases
She added that the first suspected cases were reported on September 29 at the Transmara West Sub-County Hospital, where eight patients were admitted with acute watery diarrhoea.
Kashu noted that 12 patients — five men, five women, and two children — remain hospitalised, while 15 others have been treated and discharged. The four deaths involved three adults and one child from Migingo, Majengo, and Oldonyo Rasha villages.
She further said the county government had activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre and deployed rapid response teams to the affected areas.
“A temporary cholera treatment unit has been established at the Transmara West Sub-County Hospital as part of efforts to contain the spread,” she said.
Health officials have also stepped up surveillance, community awareness, and water treatment initiatives, working closely with water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) partners to improve access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
Commissioner Lotiatia also cautioned residents against excessive alcohol consumption and urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads as traffic increases during the festive season.
He reminded the public to celebrate responsibly, saying the holidays should be a time of joy, not tragedy.
“The festive season should be one of happiness and unity, not marked by carelessness or tragedy,” Lotiatia said.
He appealed to the community to look out for one another and make responsible choices that foster safety and togetherness.
Top Stories Today
