Counties in Kenya continue to record worrying rates of childhood pneumonia, a disease that remains one of the leading killers of children under five. Data from the Kenya Health Information System (KHIS 2022–2025) shows Narok (11%), Mandera (10.5%), Marsabit (8.6%), Wajir (8.4%), Samburu (8%), Kericho (8%), and Kisumu (7.5%) among the counties hardest hit by the disease.
As the world marks World Pneumonia Day this Wednesday,12th of November 2025, Kisumu County will take centre stage as part of the national campaign against the deadly infection. The county is expected to host a series of events aimed at raising awareness and mobilizing action to prevent deaths among children under five.
According to Jack Owuor, the Child Health Coordinator in Nyakach Sub County, Kisumu is fully prepared for the global commemoration, with intensified community sensitization and health promotion drives already underway.
“We have intensified community health outreaches, sensitization forums and school-based awareness campaigns to ensure families understand how to prevent and respond to pneumonia early,” said Owuor. “This year’s commemoration is not just an event, it is a call to action to protect every child’s right to breathe.”
A Silent but Preventable Killer
Pneumonia, an acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs, remains the world’s leading infectious cause of death among children. The disease is responsible for 15% of all under-five deaths, claiming 12% of children aged 1–59 months and 3% of newborns.
Globally, a child dies of pneumonia every 43 seconds, that is 84 every hour, 2,016 every day and more than 735,000 every year, including over 200,000 newborns.
Kenya’s Decline and Persistent Burden
Kenya has recorded a gradual decline in pneumonia cases among children under five, with outpatient data showing a drop from 759,380 cases in 2023 to 567,939 in 2024. Health experts attribute this reduction to improved vaccination, public awareness and community-level interventions.
Still, the disease remains unevenly distributed, with arid and semi-arid counties and urban informal settlements showing higher prevalence due to malnutrition, poor sanitation, and air pollution.
Causes and Risk Factors
Pneumonia is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The most common pathogens include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In children living with HIV, Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia accounts for nearly a quarter of all related deaths.
Experts link most childhood pneumonia deaths to poverty related factors such as poor nutrition, unsafe water, air pollution and inadequate healthcare. Shockingly, half of all pneumonia deaths are linked to air pollution, with indoor smoke from cooking posing a greater risk than outdoor pollution.
Recognizing and Responding Early
Common symptoms include fast breathing, chest indrawing, fever and persistent cough. In severe cases, a child may experience:
Oxygen levels below 90%,
Central cyanosis (bluish lips or fingertips),
Inability to breastfeed or drink,
Grunting, or even unconsciousness.
Immediate medical attention is vital.
Prevention: The First Line of Defense
Health officials stress that pneumonia can be prevented through simple, affordable interventions:
Handwashing with soap significantly reduces infection spread.
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months can reduce pneumonia risk by up to 23%.
Proper nutrition boosts immunity, a malnourished child is nine times more likely to die of pneumonia.
Complete immunization, especially the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV 10) at 6, 10, and 14 weeks, protects against severe infection.
Cleaner indoor air, through improved cookstoves and ventilation, prevents exposure to harmful smoke.
HIV positive children benefit from daily cotrimoxazole to lower pneumonia risk.
Treatment and Care
Kenya’s new treatment guidelines recommend Amoxicillin Dispersible Tablets (Amoxicillin DT) for pneumonia management. Yet only 33% of affected children receive the correct antibiotic. For severe cases with oxygen saturation below 90%, oxygen therapy is critical.
Health experts urge parents to seek medical care immediately when a child develops breathing difficulties or persistent cough, rather than relying on home remedies.
National Efforts to End Pneumonia Deaths
Kenya has stepped up its war on childhood pneumonia through several key initiatives:
- The Newborn and Child Health Strategic Plan (2022–2026) providing a roadmap to reduce preventable deaths.
- Adoption of the Kenya Action Plan for Prevention of Pneumonia and Diarrhoea (KAPPD) following the 2020 Global Declaration to End Pneumonia Deaths.
- Training healthcare workers under IMNCI and ETAT+ programs.
- Empowering Community Health Promoters (CHPs) under Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM).
- Expanding access to Amoxicillin DT, promoting exclusive breastfeeding, and enhancing routine immunization.
- Strengthening pulse oximetry, oxygen therapy, and quality of pediatric care nationwide. Kisumu’s Commitment to the Cause
Dr. Gregory Ganda, the County Minister for Health and Sanitation in Kisumu County, said the county is taking a frontline role in ensuring pneumonia is no longer a silent killer.
“Kisumu is determined to lead the national response by investing in prevention, early diagnosis and timely treatment,” said Dr. Ganda. “We are working with partners, community health promoters and local health facilities to make pneumonia awareness part of everyday health conversations. Every life saved is a milestone toward our goal of zero preventable child deaths.”
Dr. Ganda who spoke exclusively to TV 47 Digital in his office situated at the Prosperity House insists that no child should die from Pneumonia.
“Pneumonia may be silent, but its toll is loud,” Dr. Ganda emphasized. “As Kisumu takes the lead this week, our message to the nation is clear, no child should die from a disease we have the power to prevent and cure. It is time for every Kenyan to act.”
