The 2025–26 survey shows encouraging child development outcomes, while revealing significant disparities between counties.
Kenya has launcheda new health report with an important first. For the first time, the national
demographic and health survey measured how well very young children are developing, starting from the age of three months. The results of the 2025–26 Kenya Mini Demographic and Health Survey, launched in Nairobi on 3 November 2026, are mostly positive, but the differences between counties are large.
To measure this, the survey used the WHOGlobal Scales for Early Development. This tool checks whether babies and toddlers reach the milestones expected for their age, such as movement,
language and thinking, and social skills. Older children were assessed with UNICEF’s Early Childhood Development Index 2030.
A representative speaks at the launch of Kenya’s 2025–26 Mini Demographic and Health Survey in Nairobi,
November 2026. Photo: WHO Africa (2026).
The results show that about 85 percent ofchildren aged 3–23 months and 83 percent of children aged 24–59 months are developing on track. Children whose mothers have more education are more likely to be on track. However, the gap between counties is wide. Among children aged 3–23 months, the share on track ranges from 52 percent in West Pokot to 97 percent in Kakamega.
This gap is why the data is useful. DrMakeba Shiroya, National Programme Officer for Child and Adolescent Health at WHO Kenya, said that the information helps county leaders decide where to send early-childhood support.
The survey also shows progress in otherareas since 2022. The under-five mortality rate fell to 37 deaths per 1,000 live births, down from 41. In 2025, 91 percent of births took place in a health
facility, up from 88 percent. Also, 72 percent of women had at least four antenatal care visits, up from 66 percent.
For background, this is Kenya’s eighthdemographic and health survey since 1989, and the first mini survey. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics led the work with the Ministry of Health. Teams
collected data from 5 November 2025 to 10 February 2026 from 29,935 households. The United Nations provided financial and technical support through UNICEF, WHO, UNFPA and UN Women.
More information:
WHO Africa – Kenya’s first mini demographic and healthsurvey tracks how its youngest children are developing: https://www.afro.who.int/countries/kenya/news/kenyas-first-mini-demographic-and-health-survey-tracks-how-its-youngest-children-are-developing
WHO Africa – Kenya Mini Demographic andHealth Survey 2025–26 (full report): https://www.afro.who.int/countries/kenya/publication/kenya-mini-demographic-and-health-survey-2025-26
update 04Nov2026