Kenya reduces under-five mortality rate to 37 deaths per 1,000 live births

The 2025/2026 Kenya Mini Demographic and Health Survey shows that fewer children in Kenya are dying before their fifth birthday.

The survey reports that the under-five mortality rate dropped to 37 deaths per 1,000 live births, a decrease from the 41 deaths recorded in the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey.

The data also shows that infant mortality fell from 32 to 30 deaths per 1,000 live births, while neonatal mortality decreased from 21 to 19 deaths per 1,000 live births. World Health Organization Representative in Kenya Neema Kimambo stated that these findings should guide interventions to improve health outcomes in underserved communities. The survey provides updated data on the living conditions of households and children across the 47 counties of Kenya.

The national and county governments plan to use this information to identify healthcare gaps and target preventable deaths.