Cholera in Kenya
A scoping review of current research, evidence gaps and future directions
Bibliographic Data
Cholera remains a major public health challenge in Kenya, driven by environmental pollution, poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, weak monitoring systems, and climate effects. While there have been improvements in studying the disease, testing, monitoring, and environmental checks, the spread continues, especially in informal settlements, rural areas, and refugee camps. This review looked at 106 peer-reviewed studies published between 1979 and 2024. It aimed to describe the scope, progress, and gaps in cholera research in Kenya. Five databases, including Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, were searched using the terms “cholera” and “Kenya.” Titles and abstracts were reviewed using Rayyan, and data were collected using a standard form that noted study goals, methods, findings, limitations, and geographic coverage. The evidence was analysed thematically, and trends were tracked over time. Among 845 records found, 106 met the criteria for inclusion. The literature consistently connects cholera outbreaks in Kenya to climate events like flooding, drought, and El Niño, with greater vulnerability seen in informal settlements and refugee areas. Surveillance systems are still disconnected, often leading to delays in reporting and limited information at sub-county levels. Assessments of the health system reveal ongoing issues, including a shortage of laboratory resources and necessary tests. Despite innovations such as rapid diagnostic tests, whole-genome sequencing, and spatial modelling that have enhanced outbreak detection and understanding of transmission, their regular use is hindered by cost, infrastructure, and workforce issues. Social and behavioural factors, such as low-risk perception and gaps between knowledge and practice, also contribute to continued transmission. In summary, controlling cholera in Kenya needs a coordinated, multi-faceted approach. This should focus on strengthening surveillance, improving WASH facilities, increasing laboratory and molecular capabilities, expanding vaccine access, and fostering community-led efforts to turn scientific progress into effective public health measures
Cholera · Geographic information system · Human settlement · Outbreak · Pandemic · Public health · Refugee · Social vulnerability · Vulnerability (computing) · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Vibrio bacteria research studies · Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research
Prisma2020
Scoping reviews
The Wash Benefits and SHINE trials
Rayyan—a web and mobile app for systematic reviews
Pathways of exposure to Vibrio Cholerae in an urban informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya
Economic burden of cholera in the WHO African region
Bacterial hazards in urban stream irrigation in peri-urban interface of Nairobi-Machakos counties, Kenya
Distinguishing social and cultural features of cholera in urban and rural areas of Western Kenya
Sociocultural determinants of anticipated oral cholera vaccine acceptance in three African settings
Systems, supplies, and staff
Climatic, Socio-economic, and Health Factors Affecting Human Vulnerability to Cholera in the Lake Victoria Basin, East Africa
Public health crises of cities in developing countries
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